Modern with 'a touch of Chinese elegance'

The architecture of the European China Centre Rotterdam refers to the Chinese culture in a subtle way as the new China is more and more modern and acting as a global player. However ‘the touch of Chinese elegance’ is clearly visible.

The huge hole in the West building showing the Chinese garden behind and the characteristic façade inspired by Chinese lattice works are clear statements of the special function of the buildings.

The façade consists of prefab concrete elements in the strict rectangular grid of many Rotterdam port buildings but transformed into a huge Chinese lattice pattern. Black styled waves with a rough structure are woven into the white beams referring to the water that is an important source of energy in Chinese culture.

The majority of the apartments and offices have full size floor-to-ceiling windows facing the Rhine harbour and the modern skyline of the Wilhelminapier. Watching THE VIEW of the city from the European China Centre is a fascinating experience!