Groot Handelsgebouw 70 years!

15-06-2023

On June 3, 1953, Queen Juliana opened the iconic Groot Handelsgebouw (Grand Commerce Building), designed by Willem van Tijen, founder of Kokon, and Hugh Maaskant. The architects also moved into the building themselves, and 70 years later, Kokon is still happily housed there.

At the time, it was the largest building in the Netherlands, with its imposing size of 220 meters in length, three interior courtyards and one and a half kilometers of shipping street. The design of the commercial building is largely determined by its concrete construction and repetitive prefabricated concrete elements, such as the awning elements in the facades.

Last weekend, the new Maaskant Park was opened on the shipping street. This green oasis offers a cooling spot and tranquility in the midst of the busy city. Highly recommended to visit during Rotterdam Architecture Month!