ROTTERDAM RIJNHAVEN

Rijnhaven is a major urban regeneration project in Rotterdam that turns an old harbour into a modern, climate-resilient district. It is part of the Resilient Delta initiative and serves as a global model for adapting cities to rising sea levels. The area features the famous Floating Office Rotterdam and new floating parks, showing how people can live and work closer to water.

Rijnhaven sits on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas, between Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht, where a large part of the harbour water will be reclaimed to create new land. The plan includes 2,000–3,000 homes, high-rise towers, offices, and an 18-hectare floating city park. A key feature is the transformation of the historic Codrico factory into a cultural and residential hub, completing a walkable loop around the harbour.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

The project is built to be climate-resilient with tidal parks and green shores that reduce flooding and improve water quality. It follows circular-economy ideas by using floating parks made from recycled river plastics and modular timber (CLT) construction that stores carbon. The design also supports biodiversity through underwater habitats for fish and plants, plus green roofs that attract birds and insects.

Smart City

Rijnhaven includes the Floating Office Rotterdam, the world’s largest floating office, which generates its own energy, cools itself with river water, and rises with sea levels. The district also uses smart planning tools like the Rotterdam Climate Atlas and Adaptation Design Toolkit. These help the city design solutions for extreme weather, heat stress, and long-term climate resilience.

Human-Centric

The project opens the waterfront to everyone with a new city beach and a pedestrian boulevard, making the harbour a place for recreation and even swimming. It also promotes inclusive living by ensuring that half of the new housing in the Codrico area is affordable.

The design supports a healthy lifestyle through car-free zones and long walking paths like the “Rondje Rijnhaven.” Green spaces and smart planning help lower the heat in the city and improve overall well-being.

Interesting Links

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