MVRDV's Vision for a Green 'New World Wonder' Wins Landmark Competition . . . - EUROPE SAYS
Architecture studio MVRDV has been revealed as the winner of social enterprise Shift’s competition to design a €240 million landmark in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The winning proposal, named Rotterdam. . .
Architecture studio MVRDV has been revealed as the winner of social enterprise Shift’s competition to design a €240 million landmark in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The winning proposal, named Rotterdam Rocks!, was selected from a five-strong shortlist that also included Heatherwick Studio, Mecanoo, Office for Political Innovation, and Ecosistema Urbano. It’s a huge, green, curious design you need to see. MVRDV Wins Competition to Design the Netherlands’ New LandmarkMVRDV’s proposal stood out as the boldest among the competition entries, envisioning seven monumental stacked rock formations rising along the banks of the River Maas. The design incorporates public terraces, exhibition spaces, and abundant greenery, creating a destination that combines architecture, culture, and nature. The competition was launched in 2025 by Shift in collaboration with cultural agency DVDL, inviting architects to imagine a ‘new world wonder’ that would inspire visitors to take action in response to the climate and biodiversity crises. The final design for the projectThe winning concept was selected by a jury that included Zaha Hadid Foundation director Aric Chen and UNS founder Ben van Berkel. The panel described MVRDV’s proposal as ‘remarkably bold’, praising its ability to spark curiosity and encourage repeat visits. According to the jury, the project has the potential to inspire people to reconsider their everyday habits while promoting more sustainable ways of living together. Surrounded by plants for mental and physical benefitsA Landmark Designed for DiscoveryMVRDV’s proposal envisions a 30,000-square-meter destination that combines immersive exhibitions with a hotel, conference center, and food court. The project will become part of the future Waterkant district on the southern bank of the River Maas, a major urban development planned to include more than 3,500 homes, schools, a train station, offices, and a mix of cultural and leisure facilities. Caves with immersive experiences as part of the projectThe design is organized around seven stacked rock-like volumes connected by two internal circulation routes. These pathways lead visitors through a series of cave-like spaces housing exhibitions and hospitality venues, while a third route wraps around the exterior, guiding guests to The Elysium exhibition area and a panoramic terrace overlooking the city. Although construction materials have not yet been announced, the project is expected to showcase the latest innovations in low-carbon building techniques. The exterior has also been conceived as a living landscape, incorporating pockets designed to support soil, water, vegetation, and wildlife. Why Nature Has Become a Core Element of Modern ArchitectureThe emphasis on greenery reflects one of the strongest movements shaping contemporary architecture today. Beyond aesthetics, integrating vegetation into buildings has become an essential strategy for improving biodiversity, mitigating urban heat, managing rainwater, and creating healthier environments for people. As cities continue to densify, architects are increasingly designing structures that work alongside nature because nature is never replaceable. This philosophy is central to MVRDV’s vision. Founding partner Winy Maas explained that the team expanded the project’s original brief to address broader environmental challenges by creating spaces not only for people but also for trees, plants, water, air, and animal habitats. Rather than treating architecture and landscape as separate elements, the proposal seeks to balance new construction with ecological restoration. Through a porous design that weaves together built and natural environments, the project aims to maximize ecological value while maintaining a compact architectural footprint. Photos:@mvrdv