The Rotterdam Feyenoord stadium, built in 1937 by architects Brinkmann and Van der Flyucht, is often called one of the most beautiful in Holland. The iconic form gave this building the nickname de Kuip ("goblet"), by which it is known in Rotterdam almost more than by its official name. However, despite all its glory, the stadium, morally and physically, alas, has long been outdated - it does not meet either the FIFA requirements or the usual modern ideas about comfortable attending football matches - therefore, its reconstruction is now very actively discussed in the city. Erik van Egeraat has been involved in discussions about the future of Feyenoord since 2012, and his current project can be called the quintessence of an architect's thoughts on what role a public sports center can and should play in the structure of a metropolis. “The unique Feyenoord Rotterdam brand has tremendous potential for both the football club and the city,” he said.
The comprehensive urban planning approach to the reconstruction of the stadium, proposed by Eric van Egeraat, is intended to catalyze large-scale changes not only in the sports facility itself, but in the entire adjacent part of the city. Today, the southern outskirts of Rotterdam, where de Kuip is located, are far from the most attractive place, and this applies to the stadium area in full: abandoned parking lots and rare isolated buildings prevail here. And this despite the fact that the urban development potential of this place is huge: the Meuse River flows nearby, the center is just a stone's throw away, the expressway is also located right next to it. In order to radically reverse this urban development situation, the architect proposes to place the multifunctional complex “Varkenoord” next to the stadium, consisting of a residential area on the river bank and a multifunctional complex with several towers of different heights, located on a single three-level stylobate directly next to the stadium.
The roof of the stylobate is supposed to be completely greened, and its edges will be pulled to the ground in such a way that the building from which the towers "grow" turns into a gentle hill. On top of the green canvas, the architects lay many walking routes in various directions, and two diamond-shaped skylights will allow walkers to look inside the shopping and entertainment center, which will occupy all three floors of the stylobate. The towers themselves are supposed to house offices, apartments and a hotel function, which, according to the architect's plan, will make the new complex attractive to different sectors of society. “In order to be useful to fans, sports enthusiasts and citizens in general, a modern stadium must offer opportunities for recreation and entertainment. It should become a place where you can live, work, go shopping, attend concerts, arrange meetings and, of course, watch the matches of the legendary club "Feyenoord", - Erik van Egeraat explains his position.
The symbol of the entire project should be the Feyenoord Tower, the facade of which is decorated with the colors of the football club, and the roof is crowned with its logo. The fully glazed skyscraper will be visible from anywhere in Rotterdam and even beyond.
As for the stadium itself, the project provides for a thorough restoration of the historical appearance of the famous arena. With a few delicate tricks, Erik van Egeraat intends to emphasize the sense of intimacy for which this stadium is famous. Lowering the pitch will free up space for an additional 5,500 seats, while the enlargement of the second tier will prevent the stadium from being completed with a new floor. The only major innovation that Erik van Egeraat proposes for de Kuip is the retractable roof design, which will allow the stadium to be used not only for football matches, but also for organizing concerts and other events.
