ARCHITECTUURGIDS.NL / ARCHITECTUREGUIDE.NL

DEPARTMENT STORE TER MEULEN/WASSEN/VAN VORST

VAN DEN BROEK & BAKEMA, 1948-1951, Binnenwegplein, Rotterdam

ASSISTING ARCHITECT:
Henk Lops
Jan Stokla

EXTENSION:
Gerard Lans

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Van den Broek & Bakema

EXTENSION:
Van den Broek & Bakema
Van Tilburg Ibelings von Behr

BUILDING TYPE:
Shops


RELATED BUILDINGS:
Shopping Centre De Lijnbaan

The Ter Meulen/Wassen/Van Vorst retail building originally comprised three quite separate shops: a department store, a ladies' clothes shop and a shoe store. This tripartition is visible in the facade, though the interior was one continuous space separated only by glass partitions. At the east end of this 100 metre long building are two entresols which project sculpture-like from the acute-angled corner of the facade. These cantilevers are suspended from the level above. In the facade, concrete beams 1.1 metres in height constitute a dominant visual element, with brick infills separated by glass strips. In 1976-77 the building was extended with a lateral wing to the Lijnbaan and with an extra level (provided for in the design). This extra level is demolished for two 70 metre tall apartment towers by Van Tilburg & Partners parked above the lateral wing.