Image courtesy of MVRDV architects

Market Hall by MVRDV

Construction of the Market Hall started at the end of 2009, and an information pavilion about the project, as well as its progress, can be seen at Blaak Market (Blaak Station on the Rotterdam Metro).

Image courtesy of MVRDV architects

New laws in the Netherlands require covered areas for traditional open air meat and fish markets due to new hygienic constraints. MVRDV posed the questions “can we use this operation to evolve the market typology as well as densify the the city centre?” and “Can we increase quality as well as density of programming?”.

Image courtesy of MVRDV architects

The Market Hall is part of the new inner city heart of the Laurens Quarter, the pre-war centre of Rotterdam. The buildings are a sustainable combination of food, leisure, living and parking, all fully integrated to enhance and make the most of the synergetic possibilities of the different functions. The hall is formed from an arch of privately developed apartments, strategically allowing private investment and initiative to provide a public space. The result is a covered square which acts as a central market hall during the day and, after closing hours remains lively due to restaurants on its first floor.

Image courtesy of MVRDV architects

The apartments follow strict Dutch laws regarding natural day-light: all rooms that require natural light are situated on the outside. Kitchens, dining rooms and storage are positioned at the market side, establishing a connection to the market. The front and backside are covered with a flexible suspended glass façade, allowing for maximum transparency and a minimum of structure, which will be the largest of its kind in Europe.

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