Dutch social venture Shift has revealed the five shortlisted designs for a “new world wonder” in Rotterdam, Netherlands, aimed at promoting action against climate change. The โฌ240 million landmark will be located in the emerging waterfront district of Waterkant and is expected to be a 100% sustainable building.
The five competing designs are:
– Rotterdam Rocks by MVRDV: A stacked landscape of living rocks with an immersive experience, hotel, conference center, and food court.
– The House of Shift by Mecanoo: A building with a strong civic presence, featuring a tiered public plaza and focusing on upcycling, carbon storage, and energy neutrality.
– Urban Reef by Heatherwick Studio: A six-tiered building inspired by reef ecosystems, promoting climate awareness and sustainable living.
– Planetary Landmark for the Climate Age by Office for Political Innovation: A working section through the world, sensing and reshaping climate together.
– A Living Landmark by Ecosistema Urbano: A regenerative living system integrating public space, ecological performance, and civic life.
The winner will be chosen by a jury including Zaha Hadid Foundation director Aric Chen and UNStudio founder Ben van Berkel, and will be announced before the end of spring.
Image Courtesy: Dezeen
