MAD has revealed visuals of a "theatrical" spiral staircase set to create a panoramic viewing platform for a historic warehouse on Rotterdam's waterfront.
The bright blue viewpoint will form part of a complete renovation of the former Fenix warehouse, which was once one of the largest warehouses in the world.
Beijing-based MAD's visuals show a "theatrical staircase" that increases in size as it spirals upwards, before protruding through the roof to form a 360-degree observation deck.
"We are proud to realise a dynamic transformation of the historical warehouse that will encourage people to move through the space, and be enjoyed by the community," said Ma Yansong, founder of MAD.
A public atrium will enclose and link each floor to the bright blue staircase, which will create a new viewpoint over the Maas river, the Katendrecht peninsula and the city. MAD's design for the viewpoint forms part of a complete renovation of Fenix warehouseAccording to MAD, the project will be the "first public cultural building in Europe" to be designed by a Chinese architecture studio. Bureau Polderman is the local studio overseeing the restoration.
The project was commissioned by Droom en Daad Foundation, an organisation that bought the warehouse earlier this year as part of its commitment to "contribute to a beautiful and attractive Rotterdam" through art and culture.
The foundation said the project will spotlight the ...