Rotterdam in development

85 R O T T E R D A M I N D E V E L O P M E N T | 2 0 1 8 own energy balance and to pass on excess energy to the surroundings by way of a smart multi-commodity grid. This is extraordinarily ambitious for a high-rise building on this scale. By setting the bar so high, the foundation and its partners intend to create a platform for innovation and use the concept to stimulate innovation in the area and encourage the development of new and upcoming technologies. The challenges we face in our cities demand far- reaching solutions. THE ROTTERDAM CONTEXT The realisation of this spectacular building will further strengthen the position of Rotterdam as a tourist destination, and it will continue to build on the city’s reputation as a capital of innovative architecture. As Europe’s largest industrial cluster and logistical hub, Rotterdam is the ideal location for the transition to a sustainable economy. Thanks to developments in bio-based chemicals, energy reduction, energy transition and CO2 technology, this transition will stimulate innovation and lead to new, future-oriented knowledge networks. Rotterdam is ambitious about becoming the most sustainable industrial port region in the world. This ambition is supported by the decree from the Dutch government that 14% of energy production must be generated from renewable sources by 2020. DYNAMIC ACCELERATOR The Dutch Windwheel dovetails with these ambitions and will become an icon of sustainable design and the circular economy. Using the principles of climate design, the form of the building has been optimised to collect energy from the surrounding area. Designed to be dismantled and re-used, and built using secondary and bio-based materials, the structure is conceived on various storeys with different life cycles, which means that there are a variety of conceivable forms of ownership and lease constructions, making the concept of ‘service provision’ a possibility. The Windwheel is a showcase for the Clean Tech Delta and a platform for innovation development. The building is being developed as a dynamic ‘accelerator’ of technical and technological innovations in the area of renewable energy, user experience and circular design. * The Dutch Windwheel is an initiative of the Windwheel Corporation, a consortium of the Rotterdam businesses BLOC, DoepelStrijkers and Meysters. Leading businesses and research institutions have entered into an alliance to identify and develop the innovations (at the intersection of construction, technology, water and energy) that can be incorporated into the Dutch Windwheel. Arup, BAM, Deltares, Dura Vermeer, ECN, Eneco, Evides, Siemens, SPIE and TNO also play a role in the foundation. Dutch Windwheel Programme