The historic building of the Holland America Line (HAL), or the Cruise Terminal, is one of Rotterdam’s most iconic places. In the 1950s, thousands of migrants left from here to travel by steamship to America for a new future. Its strategic location on the Wilhelmina Pier is rapidly being developed into a high-quality part of the city centre.
“Its strategic location on the Wilhelmina Pier is rapidly being developed into a high-quality part of the city centre…”
As the number of cruise ships docking here increases each year, an adaptation to the existing building became inevitable. Commissioned by the Port of Rotterdam, the renovation and modernization of the national monument was assigned.
‘’ the original look of the building had to be restored…’’
The historical value played a key role in the restoration process, where the original look of the building had to be restored. This was achieved by designing new steel profiles for the monumental façade and by the installation of monumental glass features an acoustic foil. The monumental character is also reflected in the characteristic painting. Based on a historical color and materials, the proposed color scheme refer to the state of the building in the early fifties.
Arches
The public gallery on the Maas riverside is equipped with a new floor covering and subtly integrated façade lighting. The monumental arches will now also at night be part of the iconic skyline of the Wilhelminapier.
Facts
Project name: Cruise Terminal Rotterdam, Holland Amerika Lijn [H.A.L.]
Location: Rotterdam [the Netherlands]
Program: Passengers terminal, event space, restaurant, offices and luggage storage
Site area: 8.200 m2
Credits
Design team: Tom van Odijk, David Baars
Construction: ABT Delft + Velp
Project management: BBN Adviseurs
Contractor: Heijmans Rotterdam
Textile design: Poly-Ned
Graphic design: Kummer & Herrman
Photography: Ossip van Duivenbode
