Rotterdam CS voted building of the year

The National Union of Architechts (BNA) voted Rotterdam Central Station the building of the year on Thursday. High Tech System Park in Hengelo was also recognized, winning the Audience Award.

The jury was impressed by the way the train station solved a multitude of spatial issues. The station "not only connects underground and overground public transportation, but is also a grand entrance to the city," the jury wrote in their report. The station also adds a "beautiful public interior" to the city. According to the judges, it contributes to the quality of life and social cohesion of Rotterdam.

High Tech System Park, the winner of the Audience Award, hosts defense and information technology company Thales. It was previously an abandoned factory complex that was "transformed into a green campus", according to the jury.

There were also three additional nominations in the contest. The jury gave nomination-specific awards in categories "Identity and Iconic Value" (winner: Kaasmakerij in Westbeemster), "Stimulating Environment" (Montessorischool Waalsdorp), and "Private Living Experience (Oisterwijk Brewery).