Dike architecture is one key element that fully shapes the Dutch landscape, and Rotterdam harbor area is no exception. Relying on that the proposal creates a new dike system for the entire harbor and thus a powerful architecture, emerging from those of landscaping structures. The endresult is mega-blocks, which are specifically designed to encapsulate program elements, residential to social and cultural facilities. The project in fact proposes a vigorous composition of a series of mega-blocks, with an empowering new skyline for the city of Rotterdam.

Working as a well-scaled urban platform to connect all urban layers for transportation, public to private, cyclers to walkers, the project is to provide not only a mega-structure within which the most needed issue of mixed-use urbanite is carefully given, but also a new public arena where infinite events and programs now seem to be most possible. Although its “mega” character the overall proposal well blends with the entire urban elements and architecturally becomes a new attraction center for Rotterdam South.

The proposal is architecturally very unique in itself and yet contextually quite responsive to the surrounding urban elements, including the water. Rather than following conventional techniques of analysis for making planning decisions, the project captures the entire site as a three-dimensional medium through which a new topography with an urban program can be introduced successfully. With its highly plastic architectural quality the project orders a new spatial pattern not only for the given site, but also for the entire harbor area.