Rotterdam-based  Mei architects and planners is an internationally operating and award-winning architectural firm. Mei's recently completed transformation of Fenix I on Katendrecht won numerous awards, including the Rotterdam Architecture Award 2019 (professional jury & public) and the ICONIC Award 2020 for innovative architecture.

 

The pre-war growth of the port and the rebuilding of the city have greatly determined the development of Rotterdam and its architecture. With their designs, Mei architects and planners are known to give renewed meaning to these defining periods in Rotterdam's history by realizing contemporary buildings that are true to the city's industrial heritage.

 

Mei and OMI made a selection of the Rotterdam projects that show the versatility of the work and the way the firm works; with models by Studio Faber, recent photographs by Ossip van Duivenbode and a timeline that places the projects in a historical context. Highlighted works include the redevelopment of the pre-war warehouse Jobsveem, the restoration of De Lijnbaan or the new construction of the Schiecentrale.

 

 

Fenix I has risen on the Rijnhaven, a 'gallery flat' on the monumental transshipment hangar in which restaurants and cultural institutions are now located. The transformation and expansion of the former St. Job warehouse and the power plant in the Lloyd Quarter are highlights of the Mei architects signature style.

 

Both are the result of renovation, redevelopment and renewal. The aesthetics, either expressive or restrained, depending on the project, location and history. One example of this approach is the Lijnbaan shopping promenade which will be restored with its wooden canopies and facades in original shades of gray. Another, is the McDonald's on the Coolsingel; here, a sixties' pavilion has been replaced by a variant of an American diner, dressed in glass and gold.

 

The exhibition can be visited free of charge at OMI. Registration is not necessary, but because of COVID-19 a maximum of six people can enter at the same time. The exhibition is open from Thursday to Saturday from 13:00 to 18:00, until 21 November.

For more information, I recommend you visit the OMI website.

 

Location: OMI

 

 

From 23 September to 23 October, the issue of rising sea levels and how it affects the city of Rotterdam is central to the impressive 9-metre-high pop-up building NOA. NOA is located in the Semiramistuin in Oosterflank (Prince Alexander), at a location 6 metres below sea level. Visitors are invited to walk around the pavilion, admire the 6-metre-high waterfall and attend the various programmes.

 

NOA stands for "Nomadic Overnight Aquatecture" and was designed by Bas Kortmann of Studio Kortmann. The pavilion consists of a steel scaffolding construction, with a skin of white mesh. The walls catch moisture from the air which is collected in a water basin. Together, the white gauze cloths form a 'pixel-cloud' or a large floating cloud. The big eye-catcher is the 6-metre-high waterfall that makes visitors realize how high the sea level at that spot actually is.

 

NOA is more than just a striking architectural pavilion. Workshops, lectures and a theatre performance of its own, "The Fairytale of Prince Alexander", take place there. All the lectures and workshops have the theme of water, but are all different. "The fairy tale of Prince Alexander" was created with the help of the local residents of the Oosterflank district. They shared their inspiring stories with the theatre group, which were then incorporated into the performance. By actively involving the local residents in NOA, Powerboat wants to strengthen social cohesion and increase the quality of life.

 

The pavilion consists of a walkway that leads from the ground floor via stairs to a height of 6 metres, with one walking direction, in connection with Corona measures. The public walks around the waterfall and can therefore view the waterfall from multiple perspectives. During the programming there is a seat for everyone at a safe distance from others. Of course the measures announced by Dutch medical authorities RIVM are taken into account and visitors with (mild) complaints are expected to stay at home.

 

NOA Pavilion is located at the Semiramistuin in Rotterdam. You can visit from 23 September to 23 October 2020 between 11:00 - 17:00. Theatre performances start at 17:00.

 

A visit to the pavilion is free of charge and reservation is not required. For some programmes, such as the theatre performance, visitors must buy a ticket in advance (€16). Local residents can pick up a voucher for a free ticket at various locations. For info, see the NOA Pavilion website.

 

 

 

 

 

With his minimalistic and heartfelt piano playing, Joep Beving knows how to touch even the most cold-blooded people. He makes contemplative piano music which he himself prefers to describe as 'accessible music for complex emotions'.

 

His albums 'Solipsism' from 2015 and 'Prehension' from 2017 were able to rake in millions of streams in no time and made him a great post-classical composer. In 2019 'Henosis' appeared, completing his trilogy. While the first two albums mainly focus on classical piano playing, his last album also contains orchestral and more electronic sounds.

 

 

On Tuesday December 1, 2020 Joep Beving will give a solo piano concert in the main hall of the Doelen in Rotterdam. Only seats are available for this corona proof concert. Ticket sales for this exclusive concert started Tuesday, October 13th at 10:00, via Ticketmaster and de Doelen.

 

 

The artist trio recognized a particular phenomenon of the information overload era we live in today and translated it to a new art movement, popularly known as ‘maniacism’. AAA compared the behaviour to a ‘mania’; an excessively intense enthusiasm, interest and desire to do something.

 

‘Everything in the cloud’ captures this restless phenomenon in a collection of energetic, colourful and truly impressive works. Through the chaotic self-portraits and cracked skulls spewing data, rings the underlying message that what is real still remains physical.

 

It does not happen often: three art egos coming together to develop a singular style, which only exists with all three of them participating. Hans Kleinjan (1958), Maikel Kleinjan (1984) and Roderik Faasen (1990) started to paint together in 2009 in Rotterdam. After having multiple exhibitions around Europe, they started their own combined gallery and atelier concept, named AAA Gallery, which later became AAAFRESH123. Nowadays, the gallery has grown out to be somewhat of a cult living room in Rotterdam, regularly holding live paintings, exhibitions and shows.

 

The authentic building in the Veerhaven in Rotterdam in which Dock Gallery is located has two floors where artists from all over the world exhibit their work. In the raw, modern space with only concrete and glass elements, the artworks are able to receive the undivided attention they deserve. Gallery owners Brigitte and Raymond Wanders create a diverse collection ranging from paintings to sculpture, photography, and even virtual art. They are known to select artworks based on quality, originality and personal taste.

 

Official opening: September 12th 16.00
Location: Dock Gallery, Veerhaven 4, 3016CJ Rotterdam
Visit: until October, from Friday to Sunday from 13.00-18.00
Website Dock Gallery: https://www.dockgallery.com/aaafresh123-exhibition/
Website AAAFRESH123: http://aaafresh123.com/