Rotterdam's Market Hall: A Vibrant Hub at the Heart of the city

Innovative Market Hall redefines Rotterdam's urban landscape

The project of the Market Hall in Rotterdam resulted from the introduction of new regulations in the Netherlands, which mandated the covering of traditional outdoor meat and fish market areas due to new hygiene restrictions. Responding to these demands, Studio MVRDV addressed two pivotal questions: "Can we use this operation to create a new type of market and to densify the city centre?" and " Is there any possibility of improving the quality of these places?"

Mixed-use hub transforms Rotterdam's historic core

The Market Hall is part of the new inner core of the Laurens Quarter, Rotterdam's original pre-war centre. The structure exemplifies innovative mixed-use architecture. In addition to the market, which is located in the square area below the park, the building consists of an "arch" of apartments, strategically enabling private investment and initiatives to provide public space

Apartments designed for maximum natural light

The apartments, designed in accordance with principles of Dutch architecture, comply with Dutch laws on natural daylight: all rooms requiring natural light are situated externally. Kitchens, dining rooms, and warehouses are positioned on the side facing the market, establishing a visual link with its core

Market Hall's massive glass facade sets records

The front and back of the building are covered by a flexible suspended glass facade, which enables maximum transparency and a minimal amount of structural work, which is the largest of its kind in Europe. This design feature not only provides the interior with ample natural light but also grants panoramic views of the surrounding landscape