Leuvenhaven is located in the centre of Rotterdam and is a unique open area characterized by a colourful, maritime decor. The superstructure of the old Leuvehaven Pavilion, parallel to the Schiedam Dike, will be demolished to re-establish visual and physical contact with the harbour, but its foundations will be reused.
The main objective of the plan is to make a very compact building so as to maximize the open space between the pavilion and the harbour. The mixed programme is distributed over three floors: at quayside level there are workshops, at dike level the Harbour Information Point, and on the terrace level a cafe-restaurant. Together they make for a lively synergy that fosters a dynamic and social urban life.
The architecture of the pavilion is restrained, providing a restful backdrop to the dynamic spectacle on the water. A solid base breaks the height of the pavilion optically and continues the dike core on either side of the building. Two cantilevered floor plates emphasize the horizontality and deliver proportional balance. The balustrades, made up of lengths of twisted steel railing, impart a certain refinement and airiness to the two upper levels. In the evening, the rhythm of the balustrades is subtly visible.