Fenix herrijst 3

by Bert Hermans · Gouda, NL

Bert Hermans visited the Fenixloods II during the Open Monument Days in September 2024. The Fenixloods II opened in 1923 in the Rotterdam district of Katendrecht. At the beginning of the last century, Katendrecht had one of the first Chinatowns in Europe. The Fenixloods is located opposite the old headquarters of the Holland-America Line. The Fenix building was once the largest transshipment warehouse in the world. On the quays around the warehouse, millions of people began a new life. They departed by ship to the United States and Canada, or they arrived here. The striking harbor building designed by architect Cornelis Nicolaas van Goor has been fully restored according to the plans of the restoration architects from Bureau Polderman. The reinforced concrete structure, characteristic windows, and sturdy columns have been carefully restored. A work of art has also been added to the warehouse with a spectacular view: the Tornado, partially depicted here in the painting. On this double-twisted staircase, visitors can move through the building to the lookout point above. The Tornado symbolizes departure and arrival from all over the world. The twisted staircase with the new viewing platform was designed by the Chinese architectural firm MAD Architects. MAD Architects was founded in 2004 by Ma Yansong and quickly became known as one of the world's most innovative architectural firms. Organic and technologically advanced forms characterize the design. In the building, people, city, and environment come together in a fluid manner. Fenix is the first European museum built by a Chinese architectural firm. By choosing MAD Architects, the forgotten history of the first Chinatown in Europe is honored.