Dutch architecture studio MVRDV has revealed plans for the Schieblocks office building, a striking new development that will serve as a vibrant addition to Rotterdam's skyline. The project, designed in collaboration with Dutch studio SYNRG, will feature a series of stacked, colorful blocks positioned directly beside Rotterdam Central Station. At 150 meters long and 61 meters tall, this ambitious development represents the largest new private office building currently under construction in the Netherlands.

The Schieblocks will encompass 47,000 square meters of private office space, complemented by commercial areas at ground level and a publicly accessible green roof. The building's innovative design concept presents what MVRDV describes as a "3D neighborhood of offices," addressing the challenging constraints of the narrow space adjacent to the city's railway line. The project's unique positioning means it will be among the first structures visitors see when arriving in Rotterdam by train.

"Squeezing a building in this narrow space next to the railway was a tough challenge," explained MVRDV founding partner Winy Maas. "The Schieblocks will be a colorful addition to the city. This is how people will see Rotterdam when arriving by train: diverse, bright, and bold." The architectural approach reflects Rotterdam's reputation for innovative urban design and its welcoming attitude toward bold architectural statements.

The building's distinctive appearance features 11 colorful blocks arranged in four horizontal sections, each showcasing different facade designs that draw inspiration from both contemporary art and Rotterdam's architectural heritage. The use of vibrant colors was specifically influenced by American artist Donald Judd's colorful furniture series, while the facade layouts pay homage to the city's historic buildings. This blend of international artistic influence and local architectural tradition creates a unique visual identity for the development.

Several blocks incorporate specific design elements that reference Rotterdam's identity and history. One block features projecting bay windows that echo a nearby historic building designed by renowned Dutch architect Huig Maaskant. Another block will match the sandstone color of Rotterdam's city hall and include hexagonal window frames arranged to spell out "010," the city's distinctive dialing code. These thoughtful details demonstrate MVRDV's commitment to creating architecture that resonates with local identity.

Sustainability plays a crucial role in the Schieblocks design, with three facades incorporating Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels to generate electricity for the office spaces. Additionally, two blocks will be constructed using bricks made from recycled materials, reflecting contemporary environmental concerns and sustainable building practices. These features position the development as a forward-thinking example of responsible architecture.

The building's upper floors will house public amenities including a restaurant and event space, topped by an expansive green roof that spans the entire structure. Spiral staircases will connect different levels of this rooftop space, creating dynamic circulation routes and encouraging public engagement with the building. At ground level, glazed volumes designed for "maximum transparency" will contain public amenities while serving as visual and functional "plinths" for the offices above.

A unique feature of the development is the Wokkelbar (Spiral Bar) located at the building's western end, which will incorporate an existing car-parking ramp from the neighboring Central Post building. Since this ramp cannot be removed due to structural constraints, MVRDV has designed an innovative glass case around it, transforming the infrastructure element into the bar's centerpiece. "With this unique feature the Wokkelbar will become an intriguing new addition to the nightlife of the Schiekadeblok, typifying the gritty, can-do attitude that epitomizes Rotterdam," the studio stated.

The project also includes practical amenities such as a three-story subterranean parking garage beneath the main structure, addressing the urban need for vehicle accommodation while maintaining the building's public accessibility. The comprehensive design approach balances commercial functionality with public engagement, creating a mixed-use development that serves multiple community needs.

This latest project adds to MVRDV's growing portfolio of innovative architectural solutions, which recently includes plans for a sports arena housed within a giant sphere in Tirana and a series of rock-shaped buildings for a visitor center on Taiwan's coastline. The Schieblocks represents the studio's continued exploration of bold, contextually responsive architecture that challenges conventional building typologies while serving practical urban functions.