Located in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, a historic reinforced concrete warehouse from 1923 has undergone a typological transformation by Beijing-based MAD Architects. By 16,000 square meters, this former trans-shipment facility now stands as a prominent cultural hub, serving as the centrepiece for the urban regeneration of the Katendrecht harbour-side district. At the core of MAD's design concept for the Fenix is "The Tornado," a double-helix staircase that functions as both a primary circulation element and a sculptural architectural statement. This volumetric insertion rises through the existing building envelope, culminating in an elevated viewing platform that offers panoramic vistas of the River Maas. Inherently, the project's low-impact strategy is anchored in its comprehensive preservation and renewal of the existing building, minimising the embodied carbon while extending the lifecycle of Rotterdam's industrial building heritage.
Balancing heritage with innovation
The architectural intervention at Fenix is a masterclass in repurposing, carefully balancing the preservation of the original 1923 warehouse's robust industrial character with the introduction of new forms and materials. At the core of this transformation is "The Tornado," a distinctive double-helix staircase that functions as both a primary circulation feature and a sculptural architectural statement. Surfaced in approximately 297 polished stainless-steel panels, its steps and wainscot are panelled with 12,500 planks of wood, a bio-based alternative chosen for its long-term resilience and reduced ecological impact. This volumetric insertion rises dynamically through the existing building envelope, culminating in an elevated viewing platform. Notably, a 12-meter-long cantilever extends from one of the staircases, carrying visitors out above the roof and over the water.
Beyond its adaptive reuse, Fenix incorporates advanced systems for environmental control. A Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system, combined with a heat pump, efficiently regulates interior temperatures by utilising the ground to store thermal energy. Additionally, a 6,750-square-meter green roof significantly enhances stormwater retention and contributes to evaporative cooling, mitigating the urban heat effect. Expansive glazing maximises daylight into the deep plan of the warehouse, reducing reliance on artificial illumination and creating brighter, more engaging interior spaces. The project's inherent adaptability, particularly the independent structural steel, further extends the building's functional lifespan, demonstrating how its design enables future reuse and versatility.
A journey through migration narratives
The building's history is deeply intertwined with human movement, having served as an essential hub for storage and shipping for the Holland America Line and facilitating the journeys of millions of migrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. This profound connection now manifests in the museum's programmatic core: three major exhibitions – "All Directions," "The Family of Migrants," and "The Suitcase Labyrinth" – dedicated to exploring global migration narratives. "All Directions" showcases a diverse array of artworks and historical artefacts. "The Family of Migrants" features 194 photographs, and the immersive "Suitcase Labyrinth," composed of 2,000 donated suitcases, offers a tactile and audio-guided exploration of personal histories, with some individuals even returning to Rotterdam as their original port of departure.
The integration of the 2,275-square-meter Plein on the ground floor further exemplifies the architectural strategy. Conceived as an indoor city square, this vast, flexible public space within the existing footprint fosters community interaction. It hosts events and provides a civic amenity with minimal disruption to the existing structural grid, enhancing the social vitality and resilience of the revitalised Katendrecht district.
