Swimming Centre, Rotterdam

The Swimming Centre Rotterdam is the first realized project and therefore the driver of the inner-city area development ‘Hart van Zuid’ around the Rotterdam Zuidplein area. The sustainable transformation from the former municipal office to a multifunctional swimming pool was designed as a vibrant attraction for the inhabitants that connects well with the environment. The Swimming Centre consists of two swimming rooms, a 25-meter mixed-use bath with a bathhouse-like atmosphere and a 50-meter competition pool for international competitions.

The centre brings a NOC * NSF certified competition pool to Rotterdam. The building plinth consists of commercial spaces for small-scale local entrepreneurs. The development of Swimming Centre Rotterdam is "bold and unique" within the area development with impact that stimulates its environment socially, economically and sustainably.

The Rotterdam Swimming Centre is the replacement of the old Charlois neighbourhood swimming pool. It is an important link between the neighbourhood and the local shopping centre. Hart van Zuid will be a new city centre for Rotterdam South where social, cultural and commercial facilities come together. This requires positive changes. From the European project RUGGEDISED - with the aim of preparing the city for a sustainable future - the Swimming Centre is connected to a thermal grid.

The Swimming Centre and therefore Hart van Zuid contributes to the intensification of the vitality and dynamics of Rotterdam, which had long been longing for a 50m competition pool with its sports ambitions. The new swimming pool has a national, regional and local appeal: with a 50m top-class sports pool and with a 25m target group pool specifically for the neighbourhood.

The effect on the environment is direct and convincing. And it's a fine example of architecture. The front of the former municipal office has been maintained. The rear is newly built within the contours. The developers are responsible for the exploitation. New facilities (city shop, office space, meeting rooms, fitness, swimming shop and restaurants) invite the public to enter from the station on the opposite of the site. On sunny days, people wait for public transport in the sun. A transit route develops into a public space. Opposite the main entrance a new square will be set up with the future Kunstenpand attached to it.

The Swimming Centre convinces on many fronts. Technology, logistics, history and a well-chosen program come together in an exemplary way in a project that immediately proves its value.