The Maassilo

Abstract

Everybody knows concrete.... the building material that ones meant the future. Imagine it’s most extreme forms. I’m thinking of Sovjet concrete sculptures! Brutalist Architecture! And then think about what it would take to break parts of these adement concrete structures down. That is what this project is all about.
Welcome to ‘A Concrete Excavation’.

In the course of industrial advancements, new production processes in the nineteenth and twentieth century demanded new types of buildings; starting from the 1960s those industrial objects became outdated and are currently known as industrial heritage. Industrial sites that were originally located on the outskirts of (port) cities were suddenly ‘misplaced’ as the city grew around them. Though separated from their original context, some industrial objects have escaped demolition and the need to redesign these buildings continues to increase. The city of Rotterdam is an example of such a port city that drastically changed during the 20th century. In this context I want to talk about the Maassilo building situated in the old harboar area on the south side of the city

The Maassilo in Rotterdam is an ensemble of industrial buildings dating back to 1910, all specifically designed for one goal: store, process and tranship grain. 'A Concrete Excavation' proposes a total transformation based on the unique character of contrast and contradiction found in the layout of this industrial object. It Embraces the flexible and dynamic top floor and ground floor to bring industry back in to the city. While the silos are seen as a spatial opportunity to cut, break and carve-out and create meaningful and spaces for a unique experience in the bathhouse.