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HOUSING HILLEKOP

MECANOO, 1985-1989, Hillekopplein, Rotterdam

ARCHITECT(URAL OFFICE):
Mecanoo

ARTIST:
John Körmeling

PROJECT ARCHITECT:
Erick van Egeraat
Francine Houben

BUILDING TYPE:
Housing
Urban plans
Urban renewal

Terminating the triangular Afrikaanderwijk area of Rotterdam, this complex consists of a fan-shaped tower looking out over the docks, an undulating block with a gateway and an L-shape completing a perimeter block. This sensitively designed ensemble makes reference to the formal syntax of the moderns; the 16-storey residential tower bears strong similarities to Aalto's Neue Vahr in Bremen. The complex demonstrates that social housing can also lead to high-quality architecture, and so it should.