Rotterdam Central Station

PrizeWinner in Architectural Design / Transportation
Firm LocationAmsterdam, Netherlands
CompanyBenthem Crouwel Architects
Lead ArchitectTeam CS - a cooperation between Benthem Crouwel Architects, MVSA Meyer and Van Schooten, West 8 Urban Design and Landscape Architecture
Design TeamJan Benthem, Marcel Blom, Adriaan Geuze, Jeroen van Schooten, Arman Akdogan, Anja Blechen, Freek Boerwinkel, Amir Farokhian, Joost Koningen, Joost van Noort, Falk Schneemann, Daphne Schuit, Matthijs Smit (†), Andrew Tang, Wouter Thijssen, Joost Vos
ClientMunicipality of Rotterdam, ProRail

Rotterdam Central Station is one of the most important transport hubs in The Netherlands. The public transport terminal has as many travellers as Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The completion of the new 46,000 m² station has put Rotterdam Central Station back on the map as a major city-centre hub. It plays an important role in the European network of high-speed rail connections, serving as a gateway to Europe. It is here that countless European passengers enter and leave the Netherlands. This two-way connection between the city and Europe also adds an extra dimension to the station and its surroundings. The new station is not only larger, brighter and more orderly than the former, but also has an international feel; it beautifully complements both the efficiency of the high speed stop and the Rotterdam city’s bold ambitions for urban development and renewal. The new Rotterdam Central Station is particularly well laid-out. This is achieved by adhering to a single guiding principle – trains and all station facilities and amenities had to be under one roof. The result is a pleasant, open and transparent public transportation hub that has become a meeting place for passengers and Rotterdam's residents alike.