Makers District

The Maker’s District in Rotterdam is a living example of urban transformation, blending the city’s industrial legacy with creative innovation. The harbour of Rotterdam moved several times throughout the centuries, looking for places which could accommodate its growth as well as the increasing size of ships. In the 1930s, new harbour extensions were created on the northern shore in the west of the city. Most of the area served as fruit harbour, where e.g. the orange juice supply for the entire European hinterland used to be transshipped. In recent years, these harbour activities have started to move even further west, closer to the North Sea. The Merwe- and Vierhavens area is gradually changing its character, transforming from harbour to creative breeding ground. Many creative companies have settled in former harbour buildings. The municipality promotes this development and facilitates experimental projects in the area, which has become known as the Makers District. 

On this tour, we will explore a harbour area in full transition, housing port functions as well as maker spaces, creative companies and urban gardening projects. Learn about the area’s historical significance and visit adaptive reuse projects.

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Tour Highlights: Makers District

  • Europoint Towers (SOM, 1975 / Diederen Dirrix, 2018): Transformation of three 1970s office towers into contemporary housing

  • Dakpark (Sant en Co, 2014): Multi-purpose urban project that combines a shopping center, green roof, and dike

  • HAKA Factory Building (H.F. Mertens, 1932 / WDJA, 2018)

  • Keilepand (M. Brinkman, 1922 / Group A, 2016): Former warehouse now serving as office and exhibition space for Rotterdam’s growing creative sector

  • Food Garden M4H (Lola Landscape)
  • Auction house Citrusveiling (H. Maaskant, 1955)
  • Floating Farm (Goldsmith Company, 2020): World’s first floating dairy farm, showcasing innovative approaches to food production and sustainable urban living

More Tours in Rotterdam

All tours can be combined into full-day or multi-day programmes