ss Rotterdam
8 april 2010
Renovation of the ss Rotterdam by VFD Architects
How the ss Rotterdam transformed into a building, maintaining the appearance of a ship. The city of Rotterdam's newest landmark, SS Rotterdam, opened to the public on the15th of February 2010. More than 600.000 visitors per year are expected.
The old-fashioned Grandeur of SS Rotterdam, built in 1959, creates an exciting feeling of recognition. VFD Architects as a principal architect is responsible for this prestigious project, restoring of this vessel in her original glory appearance, and at the same time creating new functionality.
VFD Architects in Utrecht, owned by architect ir. F.C.J. Dingemans, has been the main architects for Holland America Line for decades and is responsible for the decoration of HAL's new generation cruise vessels.
It goes without saying that VFD was asked for restoring the ss Rotterdam. More than anyone else, we are familiar with the HAL feeling and the specific characteristics of their fleet. Therefore VFD plays a major role in refurbishments of the HAL fleet.
In 1994 the first designs were made by VFD, complying the SS Rotterdam with the newest maritime regulations (valid since 1997). 2 Years later the first serious plans were made to bring this beautiful ship back to Rotterdam. She is the last vessel of this size that was built in The Netherlands (1959). Her characteristics, shape of hull and funnels, made and still make her unique. The emotional value of bringing her back home, where she was built, is priceless.
This project is unique in the world. We had to start from scratch on. There were no relevant examples we could refer to. First the old Rotterdam was reconstructed by means of original drawings, artist impressions and photographs. Her interior was stripped. Old materials were restored and stored away carefully. It was not only the past we had to deal with, but also the present and future. The ss Rotterdam was no longer a ship, but had to be considered a building. The safety demands had to be adjusted to modern times, in some cases completely new regulations were introduced. Since the city of Rotterdam fire department had no experience with this kind of project, intensive consultation with owner, technical advisors and VFD was necessary to achieve the desired results. New equipment was designed, safety and fire retardant provisions were made. Despite all this, the ship never lost its distinctive character.
SS Rotterdam is multifunctional. A cruise hotel with 257 rooms (each one unique, like in the old days). The bridge and f.i. the Captains Cabin have been restored. The special cabin for the Dutch Royal family is intact. The theater has 550 seats and can be used for many occasions There are two public restaurants, Club Room and Lido. The Sky room was transformed into a wedding room. The majority of all 5.000 chairs and tables has been restored to their original state. In addition to that VFD also created several modern offices and meeting rooms. Completely new are the business and boardrooms, large wardrobes and extra public toilets. In the past the passengers had a wardrobe and toilet in their cabin.
Where interior changes have been necessary for new functions, the design is made transparent and light, indicating new non-existing elements on board. End of January 2010 the first reception of former HAL employees took place. Their feeling of recognition emphasized the successful restoration. We did our utmost to create the same magical atmosphere when she was a fascinating glamorous Ocean Liner. All areas have there own distinct character and atmosphere. VFD is honored and proud following the footsteps of some of the greatest architects in the history of Holland ever worked for Holland America Line. A great example of utilizing old cruise ships, that have reached the end of commercial lifespan at sea, is this unique restoration of the ss Rotterdam, now serving as hotel and business center, apart from the function as an emotional landmark for the city of Rotterdam.
Restauration of former Holland America Line (HAL) Vessel, built in the Netherlands (1953-1958) on the Verolme (RDM) shipyard in Rotterdam.
- Served between 1959 and 1971 as transporter for Dutch emigrants into the New World. - Served as cruiseliner for HAL from 1971 - 1997. - Served as cruiseliner Rembrandt for Premier Cruises between 1997 - 2000 - Out of service 2000 - Between 2000 and 2008 anchored at the Bahamas - Gibraltar - Poland - Germany - Return to Rotterdam August 2009 to be converted into a hotelship as an industrial inheritance.