MVRDV Unveils Striking Pink Podium in Rotterdam for Urban Revitalization

The Podium, a 29-meter-high platform designed by MVRDV, was recently opened by the mayor of Rotterdam, Ahmed Aboutaleb, in a ceremony at Het Nieuwe Instituut. The external staircase, consisting of 143 steps, makes the roof of the museum accessible, creating a 600-square-meter temporary meeting place, which has been painted pink to increase visibility. The space will form the heart of the Rotterdam Architecture Month throughout June, while in July and August, it will be used for jazz concerts and yoga classes.

The design for the temporary installation was commissioned to draw further attention to MVRDVHNI: The Living Archive of a Studio, an exhibition of MVRDV’s work currently on show on the top floor of HNI. Due to work being conducted on the public space outside the museum, the main entrance of Het Nieuwe Instituut is currently less visible and accessible. To overcome this issue, the MVRDV design team came up with the idea to create an alternative access route via a large outdoor staircase.

The panoramic view from the roof of Het Nieuwe Instituut and the building's design by Jo Coenen with its characteristic pergola inspired the designers. In order to produce The Podium as sustainably as possible, scaffolding material and recyclable floor finishes were chosen as materials. According to Gijs Rikken, associate design director at MVRDV, “The installation fits with a tradition that MVRDV has built up in the programming of the rooftop landscape." Rikken continues, "In Rotterdam, it started in 2006 with the blue rooftop extension Didden Village, followed by the Stairs to Kriterion in 2016. This year we will enhance the rooftops with the orange Rooftop Walk and the pink Podium. We want to bring more attention to this second layer of the city with colour and special installations: if we make it greener, more sustainable, and more connected, the city will become more liveable for everyone."

The Podium is an initiative of Het Nieuwe Instituut in collaboration with Rotterdam Architecture Month and several other organisations. It is mandatory to reserve a time slot via the website of HNI for a visit to The Podium. The installation is made possible in part by COD, Dura Vermeer, Dutch Steigers, Fonds 21, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Jewellabs, Job Dura Fonds, Mol Lifting, Motel Mozaïque, MVRDV, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Rotterdam Architecture Month, Rotterdam Festivals, Rotterdam Partners, Senz, Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot, Stichting Volkskracht, the Friends Lottery, and VSBfonds.

The Podium is a perfect example of the creativity and ingenuity of MVRDV in programming rooftop landscapes in Rotterdam. Their goal is to bring more attention to this second layer of the city through colour and special installations, making the city more sustainable, connected, and livable for everyone. With The Podium, Rotterdam Architecture Month has found an ideal location to showcase its talent, while visitors will get to experience the breathtaking views of the city. The Podium is a win-win for everyone involved.

The pink staircase has become an instant attraction and an architectural landmark, helping to make the museum and its surroundings more accessible and visible to the public. The temporary installation has generated buzz and is expected to draw crowds of visitors to Het Nieuwe Instituut. With the success of The Podium, it is clear that MVRDV has once again demonstrated their expertise in creating architectural wonders that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.