MAD architects' fenix museum of migration in rotterdam breaks ground

MAD architects’ first cultural project in europe, the fenix museum of migration, has broken ground in the dutch city of rotterdam. the project (see previous coverage here) includes the renovation of the fenix warehouse, built in 1923, which is located on the city’s katendrecht peninsula, an important port of immigration in european history. recent images highlight the striking centerpiece staircase of the intervention, which will extend from the ground and form an observation deck at the top.

all images courtesy of MAD

‘from a distance, the platform and staircase look like a single entity, but when it’s in front of you, it stands as a sculptural work that invites you to explore,’ says MAD founder ma yanson. ‘it both signifies the fenix’s witnessing of europe’s history of migration from the port, and symbolizes the future of the city.’ the sculptural structure comprises two spiral staircases that break down the massive scale of the original warehouse, adding more human-scale and intimate spaces. the stainless steel and wood used for their construction contrast the warehouse’s original concrete and steel materials, while also evoking the visitors’ imagination of boarding a ship.

commissioned by the droom en daad foundation, the new building will include creativity, culture, and culinary spaces to offer diverse activities, and to make art a part of people’s daily lives. ‘a museum is a phenomenon that has a very strict idea and image in most people’s minds,’ notes mr. wim pijbes, president of the foundation and leading historian. ‘I want to find a word that has a kind of hybrid function, a place, a platform, an agora. with the completion of fenix, the katendrecht peninsula will become a bridge connecting the north and south of rotterdam, inspiring more people through the universal theme of “migration”.’ first announced in 2018, the project, is set for completion in 2024.   construction image by rubén dario kleimeerconstruction image by rubén dario kleimeer

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project info:

name: fenix museum of migration

architect: MAD

location: 
rotterdam, netherlands



site area: 13.200 sqm


ramp area: 1.050 sqm


height: 28.3 m

principal partners in charge: ma yansong, dang qun, yosuke hayano


associate partner in charge: andrea d’antrassi


team: neeraj mahajan, marco gastoldi, edgar navarrete, cievanard nattabowonphal, jordan demer, chen yien, yuki ishigami, pittayapa suriyapee, claudia hertrich, alessandro fisalli

client: droom en daad foundation


executive architect: EGM 
monumental architecture renovation: bureau polderman


construction advisor: IMd raadgevende ingenieurs


steel constructor: CSM steelstructures


cladding constructor: central industry group (CIG)


lighting consultant: beersnielsen lichtontwerpers


installation design: bosman bedrijven


installation advisor: DWA


building physics advisor: LBP sight