This project is about the transforamtion of the Maassilo, a former silo building located on Maashaven in Rotterdam. In this project the building will be transformed into an agriculture and health education space with a market. The building is conceived as a learning process for the visitor, who is provided with the information (exhibition spaces and library) and the practical knowledge (roof community gardens). The market creates a cycle in this process of learning - producing - consuming, and promotes the healthy food.
The design is a multi-layered understanding of the building with the aim to retain the buildings character and identity while enhancing an reinterpreting some of the building’s qualities. The design approach follows the initial value assessment and the framework of transformation, which shows the importance of these steps for the design. The main themes in the new design is the experience of the existing building and the connection between the different layers. In order to create these experiences different elements where implemented in the three level division of the building (ground floor, silos, attic). Openness and generosity of space are main intervention guidelines in all three spaces as the scale of the building needs these in order to be appreciated and fully experienced.
Another, important element especially for the silo parts is the introduction of light as the enhancing element of the silo experience. Similarly, materiality in combination with the scale and the light is a key aspect of the spatial quality. In order for these elements to create a coherent design, principles of intervention where implemented in order to define the atmosphere of each space and relate the different spaces in one concept.