The construction of Portlantis, in the Port of Rotterdam, is rapidly advancing. In April, the red external staircases leading to terraces and the rooftop were added to the structure. Comprising a stack of five rotating exhibition spaces, Portlantis will be an exhibition building and visitor center for Port of Rotterdam, allowing residents and visitors to learn about the work and development of Europe’s largest port.

© MVRDV

The building stands out from its flat, open surroundings, offering spectacular views of the coastline, the port and the sea. The building takes a practical, no-nonsense approach to its purpose, channeling the spirit of the port with its functionality, dramatic presence and industrial materials. When fully completed, the building’s energy will be locally generated by 266 solar panels and its own windmill. Portlantis is scheduled to open in early 2025.

Designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, the shape of the building is a direct response to the activities taking place inside and out. Each floor is square with a large panorama window that frames a view, which together gives visitors an overview of the vibrant port. The orientation of each floor and the direction its main window faces correspond to its function: At the ground-floor café, this window faces westward for views of the dunes and the North Sea, while diners in the fourth-floor restaurant can enjoy views of both the North Sea and the twinkling lights of the port in the evening.

© MVRDV

The permanent exhibition, by Amsterdam-based design firm Kossmanndejong, is spread over the three levels in between. In this exhibition, each level addresses a different theme, and panorama windows focus on elements within the port to enhance the content of the exhibition. At the center of the building is a large atrium that functions as an exhibition space in its own right. An explanatory kinetic sculpture will hang in its center, with a model of Port of Rotterdam below. This impressive space is emphasized by the entrance from the ground floor, with a rotating door concealing the exhibition behind it until a visitor has entered the heart of the building.

Visitors can also climb the outside of the building without a ticket by using outside staircases, providing a route up the various terraces to the rooftop. Along the way, showcase windows offer a preview of the exhibition inside and entice them to enter.

© MVRDV

The building’s materials are simple, industrial and sustainable. The structure itself will be demountable so its parts can easily be reused, and the façade panels will be returned at the end of the building’s lifespan under an agreement made with the manufacturer. Even the building’s foundation, which avoids the use of concrete piles, is designed to leave no trace.

In addition to Portlantis’ sustainable materials, it is also an energy-neutral building, thanks to its compact volume and efficient insulation and mechanical components.

© MVRDV

“We think of Portlantis as a machine to reveal the incredible world of the port,” said Winy Maas, founding partner, MVRDV.  “It is low-cost, it is stripped back, and you can see some of the building’s structure when you are inside. But it does its job almost ruthlessly, just like the machinery of the port itself. Every part of the design is geared towards engaging people and then educating them about their surroundings. In that way, it not only teaches people about the Port of Rotterdam but envelops them in the spirit of the port itself.”