The Boompjes boulevard is on the waterfront of Rotterdam, separated from the city by a busy traffic lane. Restructuring the Boompjes boulevard was a key project for the city of Rotterdam, with the aim of re-establishing the relationship between the city and the river. The scope of its restructuring included the design of a new pavilion.
In 1989, the Municipal Development Corporation of Rotterdam asked Mecanoo to design a pavilion on the Boompjes boulevard. After the building was designed, a second competition took place to choose the interior architect, Mecanoo won the assignment.
Exterior and interior design could, therefore, be complementary. In consultation with Jacobus Blom, all materials, furniture and lighting were designed, as well as a sculpture, the menu and other in-house styling.
The 3-metre height difference between the dike and the waterfront presented a challenge to the designers. In addition, the building was restricted to a depth of less than 8 metres, and the foundations could not be built in the core of the dike. The solution was to elevate the volume.
The magnificent view from the pavilion on the river, with the passing boats and impressive floating cranes, was pivotal to the design. The pavilion was designed so that there is an optimum view from each position.
The materials and details match both the roughness of the harbour and the exclusivity of the restaurant. Natural materials, including wood, steel and stone have been used, while the details are refined, often delicate.