tech
Climate-saving wonder
MVRDV – the firm behind Marble Arch Mound – says Rotterdam ROCKS! will inspire visitors to live sustainably. But in an era when the greenest building is the one that already exists, this tottering cairn looks set to misfire
TL;DR
- Rotterdam ROCKS! is a new architectural proposal for Rotterdam designed by MVRDV.
- The project aims to be a visitor attraction promoting sustainability and green living.
- Critics compare the design to "something Shrek would throw up" and question its cost and environmental credentials.
- The design is seen as contradictory in an era emphasizing the reuse of existing buildings.
- The project faces skepticism due to MVRDV's past problematic project, Marble Arch Mound.
- A waterfall feature has already been removed from the design due to practical concerns.
- The entrepreneur behind the project, Don Ritzen, advocates for individualistic solutions to environmental challenges.