Rotterdam-Dam-Dam

Son-in-law John and daughter Stephanie came for a visit. And where do you take a fellow who loves architecture and redevelopment? Rotterdam-dam-dam. It is a major seaport of Europe and was destroyed in a 1940 air blitz during World War II by Hitler's Luftwaffe (air force). This port is also where the slave trade was established to the United States. The depiction of the slave breaking free from the chains on top of the anchor was very symbolic of what happened here only 200 years ago.

 

The rebuilding started in the 1950s, had a major push in the 1980's near the port area with residential developments and continues today in the market area. The architecture is very unique - this housing development is actually over a street and the units appear to be at an angle that would make it impossible to walk around in. We saw some people inside their units and it is normal housing, but the outside is an optical illusion. We found ourselves studying these units for quite a while.

Office Building near the Port

Residential Units

We found this phenomenon of a combination market square and residential units which has been in progress since 2009. The outer porches are residential units and underneath is where the market will exist. The built the right and left halves and then joined them recently. It will be fun to come back and see the finished product.

And while we were there, we saw an urban mountain biking competition for all ages around a church. Our favorite was an 10 year old girl, who was fierce and focused competing with all the others in the event.