Rotterdam's Markthal, constructed with the support of a Luxembourg glass manufacturing subsidiary, has been awarded the Rotterdam Architecture Award.
The 100,000 m2 Market Hall, which holds over 200 apartments and around 100 fresh market produce stalls, a supermarket and restaurants, was designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, whilst the 10,000 m2 exterior was provided by Guardian Europe S.à.r.l. which is headquartered in Luxembourg. Hero-Glas Veredelungs GmbH, based in Germany, fabricated the insulating glass units, whilst Dutch glazier AKS Bouw BV was drawn upon for the construction of the façade.
MVRDV has described the building as "a secure, covered square emerges beneath an arc, conceived as an inversion of a typical market square and its surrounding buildings. During the day it serves as central market hall, after hours the hall becomes and enormous, covered, well-lit public space."
The architectural integrity of the building has now been recognised with the award, for its contribution to enabling individuals "to live with market functions, shops and restaurants in a festive, multifunctional space with undisputed iconic value. It is an asset for the city."
The awards ceremony, which took place on Wednesday 16 December 2015, was organised by the Rotterdam architecture centre AIR. The award aims to raise the Dutch city's architectural standard and, in so doing, create an identity which blends the urban fabric and liveliness of Rotterdam.
Photos by Guardian Industries Corp., GRDPR031
