Five international architecture teams shortlisted to create climate-focused destination at Waterkant
Rotterdam | March 2026
A new architectural landmark envisioned as a “world wonder” aimed at inspiring climate action could soon reshape Rotterdam’s waterfront skyline.
Dutch social venture startup Shift has unveiled design proposals from five architecture teams shortlisted in an international competition launched in January 2025. The winning team will be selected to design a large-scale cultural destination in the Waterkant district in southern Rotterdam.
The project is expected to attract around one million visitors annually, positioning itself as both a tourist attraction and a platform for climate awareness.
Five Global Design Teams Shortlisted
Out of 80 participating teams, five firms advanced to the competition’s second stage:
- Ecosistema Urbano
- Heatherwick Studio
- Office for Political Innovation
- Mecanoo
- MVRDV
Each finalist developed conceptual proposals for a 320,000-square-foot mixed-use complex that would anchor the redevelopment of the Waterkant waterfront district.
Planned program elements include:
- A hotel
- Conference and meeting facilities
- A sustainable food court
- A large immersive visitor experience centered on climate themes
Shift says the goal is to create a globally recognizable landmark that merges environmental storytelling with architecture.
MVRDV’s “Rotterdam Rocks!” Concept
Among the more visually striking proposals is MVRDV’s “Rotterdam Rocks!”, a design featuring stacked boulder-like volumes arranged in a staggered formation.
The structure is envisioned as a cluster of porous, living rocks covered with moss and grass, symbolizing ecological resilience. A water stream running through the center of the building connects the interior landscape to the surrounding waterfront.
Visitors would reach an observation platform atop the structure, offering panoramic views of Rotterdam and the harbor.
Ecosistema Urbano’s Living Ecosystem
The proposal from Ecosistema Urbano takes a more collage-like approach, integrating greenery, exposed circulation paths and sculptural volumes.
Key design features include:
- Bright orange staircases weaving through the building mass
- Protruding rectangular volumes housing program spaces
- A translucent orb crowning the structure
The concept imagines the building as a “regenerative ecosystem and evolving social organism” designed to encourage biodiversity, community activity and climate awareness.
Inside, the design features a large atrium with layered glass shelving and display spaces intended for interactive experiences.
Criticism and Debate Around the Competition
Despite the ambitious vision, the competition has already sparked criticism within architectural circles.
Dutch architecture professor Wouter Vanstiphout publicly criticized the competition on LinkedIn, arguing that the entries relied heavily on interchangeable AI-generated renderings.
His comments highlight broader debates about speculative architecture competitions and the increasing role of digital visualization in early design phases.
A Potential New Landmark for Rotterdam
If realized, the project could become one of Rotterdam’s most recognizable contemporary landmarks, combining tourism, sustainability education and cultural programming in a single waterfront complex.
The final selection from the five shortlisted teams is expected to determine which architectural vision will move forward toward detailed design and development.
