landmark mv2 - container tower by NL architects
image courtesy NL architects

in order to remain successful the harbor of rotterdam needs to expand. a new radar
tower is required on the border of the land to guide the heavy traffic.

the port of rotterdam organized a competition for architects and designers alike to
develop a landmark through the tower, which also could be used as a viewing platform.

the actual radar will be positioned 70 meters above sea level. the tower which served as
a starting point for the study consists of a hollow core with an elevator and staircase for
maintenance inside. it was calculated that the simplest concrete cylinder would have
to measure up to 5.5 meters in diameter to withstand forces.

dutch firm NL architects proposed the container tower which consisted of 25 stacked sea
containers to carry the radar. by reinforcing the pile, the containers would become stackable
beyond their natural capacity.

it was calculated that a single row of containers would not be stable. additional measures
were necessary. by adding another row of containers the tower would remain erect.

after the competition, the project was terminated: the study revealed that the neighboring
new generation wind turbines by their shear size would dwarf any landmark.


site of a new radar tower
image courtesy NL architects


the new generation wind turbines
image courtesy NL architects


landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects


landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects


landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects


landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects



landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects



landmark mv2 - container tower
image courtesy NL architects