Reeweg
customs house, Rotterdam
The customs building on Reeweg is suited to its setting, with its function
legible in the exterior. It is wedged in-between the infrastructure of road and
railway and this datum is rendered in the building’s form. The dark
container-like building follows the bend informing both road and railway. It
sits amid the stacks of containers typical of this dockland region. Emblazoned
on the facades of the office is the colour coding used by customs. All outer
walls are built up of dark grey pigmented concrete piles and black window
frames. Reflecting green and yellow foil lights up vividly in the headlamps of
passing vehicles. The interior contrasts with the mute exterior keeping out
dirt and noise, and is entirely transparent – a move to stimulate teamwork.
Client
Rijksgebouwendienst,
directie Zuid-West
Architect
Benthem
Crouwel Architekten
Start
design
1993
Completion
1998
