| Client | Hidden gem in Rotterdam for Jamestown en Cushman & Wakefield |
|---|---|
| Specialities | City park |
| Location | Rotterdam |
| Realised on | 2023 - 2024 |
| Activities | Advice Design Construction Maintenance |
| Share | |
All together, Maaskant Park is home to more than 550 different plant species. We pulled out all the botanical stops: shrubs, trees, climbers, perennials, annuals, ferns, grasses, flowers, and bulbs—you name it, it’s there. And still, we managed to make it feel like a single, flowing whole. Unity in diversity is one of our core design principles. That way, there's always something new to discover throughout the seasons—and birds, insects and other wildlife can find food year-round.
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To truly honour the building, we teamed up with planting designer Harry Pierik and delved into the ideas of architects Maaskant and Van Tijen. The planting palette echoes the colours and shapes of the architectural design, and the dimensions of the planters and borders follow the building’s rhythm. Subtle grey-green foliage—think eucalyptus, willow and sea buckthorn—blends beautifully with the building’s concrete tones.
We used more than 450 different plant species, creating a richly layered design and the perfect conditions for strong, healthy biodiversity—something to enjoy in every season.
Located right next to Central Station, Maaskant Park draws in plenty of visitors.
Because the internal street sits above ground level, planting directly into the soil wasn’t an option. Instead, we used custom-built planters. Each one weighs over 4,000 kg, yet they’re designed to be movable—even when fully planted. That said, we expect they’ll stay put for the next hundred years, thanks to the aesthetic and future-proof value they add to the building.
We design our gardens and parks to be used. Alongside a pétanque court, we’ve placed various chairs and tables—which are eagerly enjoyed. This turns the Groot Handelsgebouw’s garden into more than just a lovely place to stroll; it’s also a space for working, relaxing, and even holding meetings.
“It feels like Christmas every day,” says one tenant, describing the joy of walking through the garden and discovering something new each time.
All that greenery also means more oxygen in the air, more cooling in summer, and less flooding during heavy rainfall. Unsurprisingly, it’s a major draw for tenants. After all—what business wouldn’t want to be here?
Enter via Conradstraat and experience this pocket of urban green just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam Central Station. Find more info, opening hours, and the event calendar.
