Calypso

Completion: 2013

Size: 26,950 m2

Alsop Architects

The Mauritsweg project, rebranded ‘Calypso’ was completed in 2013. It is a development of Rotterdam Centraal, the urban strategy scheme, undertaken between 2000 and 2001 by Will Alsop.

Consultation and workshop exercises with the community of Pauls Kerk church in particular, were central to the development of new designs.

Previously occupied by a hotel, retail space and church, the site is a key meeting point of a number of primary city routes. New shops, a replacement church and residential accommodation, have preserved a mix of public and private realms and accommodate a broad social spectrum.

The quality of the public areas in particular have been considered with a two-tiered circulation space below the residential buildings; the lower below a transparent pavement traversing the upper, and connecting directly with car parking for 305 cars. The development takes the form of five “rocks” – structures which accommodate the apartments, retail area, commercial space and the church.

The apartments provide a mix of differing forms and layouts, Alsop felt this imperative to creating a sense of identity for a large apartment block. The balconies are partly enclosed enabling year round use.

The development of this site established the beginnings of a quality public realm on the Westersingel - leading from the station - the city’s ‘cultural route’. The development reinforces and enhances pedestrian routes across the city which has been identified as a positive contribution to the city mesh.