Rotterdam ROCKS!, a new architectural proposal for a waterfront site in Europe’s largest port, has been unveiled. Designed by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, known for London's Marble Arch Mound, the project won a major competition to create "a new world wonder."
The proposal, estimated to cost €240m (£205m), depicts a stack of artificial "rocks" forming a cairn with foliage and a waterfall. It is conceived as a paying visitor attraction to promote sustainability and green living, and will also include a hotel, conference centre, food court, and viewing deck.
The project is the brainchild of Dutch entrepreneur Don Ritzen, who founded Rockstart, a venture capital fund for green tech startups. Ritzen's non-profit organisation, Shift, provided the impetus for the landmark building, which will be constructed on a site previously designated for Feyenoord’s new stadium.