IMAGINE ROTTERDAM

Imagine Rotterdam is a mixed-use residential complex located in Parkstad Zuid, on the southern edge of Rotterdam. It is the first realised development within the wider transformation of Rotterdam-Zuid and plays a formative role in defining the transition between the existing neighbourhood and the future ambitions of the city.

The project consists of two towers positioned in dialogue with their surroundings. One tower faces the emerging district of Feyenoord City, while the other addresses Parkstad Zuid and its established urban fabric. Together, they form a spatial hinge between new development and existing city life, anchoring the site within both contexts.

At ground level, the building engages directly with the street. The paving continues seamlessly from the public realm into the inner courtyard, drawing residents and visitors into the heart of the complex. This gradual transition reinforces the courtyard as an extension of the city rather than a closed interior space. A large opening toward Laan op Zuid strengthens this connection and aligns the project with the broader masterplan structure.
The complex accommodates 295 energy-efficient homes, with a balanced mix of rental and owner-occupied units across a range of price segments. This diversity is combined with shared amenities for leisure, sport, and community use, as well as parking, supporting a varied and inclusive residential environment.

Material choices further mediate between old and new. The use of brick references the architectural language of Parkstad Zuid, grounding the project in its immediate context, while contemporary detailing signals its role within the ongoing urban transformation.

All functions are organised around a central courtyard that acts as the collective core of the project. Designed as a planted landscape, it introduces greenery into a dense urban setting and supports everyday use, informal encounters, and biodiversity. Architectural references to Feyenoord City are subtly embedded in the courtyard, including horizontal glass balustrades that reflect light and movement, reinforcing the connection between inside and outside.

By combining housing with shared programs and clear urban connections, Imagine Rotterdam contributes to the transformation of Rotterdam-Zuid, bridging existing neighbourhoods with the future ambitions of Rotterdam while responding to contemporary demands for density, accessibility, and collective space.