Rotterdam in development

R O T T E R D A M I N O N T W I K K E L I N G | 2 0 1 8 76 he development of this care hotel offered the opportunity to build a care institution that is perfectly in line with the urban planners’ vision. HD developed and designed this ambitious care concept, which is care provider Laurens’ idea for the replacement of the very outdated Antonius IJsselmonde care home. The assignment was to design a ‘rehabilitation hotel’ where patients would be guests in a ‘healing environment’. And it has been a great success: Rehabilitation Hotel Intermezzo received the NTVG BouwAward (‘Construction Award’) 2016 and was nominated for the Hedy d’Ancona prize for excellence in care- focused architecture. A BUILDING OF TWO FACES How do you harmonise the wishes of the municipality, which specified the appearance and atmosphere of the cool and businesslike buildings that date from the time of the reconstruction of Rotterdam, with those of the client, who principally wants a warm building which is focused on people and which radiates safety? This design challenge, which at first glance appears impossible, has found its expression in solutions that are characteristic of the building. HD architect Martijn Verhagen: “My responsibility was for the building’s concept and design, as well as its aesthetic direction. From the very first discussions, my role was to take Laurens’ proposed programme, translate it spatially and make it a visible reality. In my vision, the building is a reflection of its function and of diverse groups of guests. The result is a functional and inspiring care building with an appearance that is warm and friendly, and yet also cool and chic, and which stimulates the senses and offers surprises from a variety of perspectives.” LAURENS REHABILITATION HOTEL INTERMEZZO IN ROTTERDAM SOUTH THE MOTORSTRAAT AREA, WHICH INCLUDES THE LAURENS REHABILITATION HOTEL INTERMEZZO ZUID THAT OPENED IN 2016, IS PART OF HART VAN ZUID (‘HEART OF ROTTERDAM SOUTH’). THE LOCATION PLAYED A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE TOTAL AREA DEVELOPMENT OF HART VAN ZUID. Photo: Paula Romein Fotografie The rehabilitation hotel has been in use since 2016, and both guests and staff members are very enthusiastic. Read more about the development of the rehabilitation hotel at www.overhd.nl/ intermezzo You can read more about HD at www.hdgroep.nl