Benthem Square

We cycle back south. The Hofplein, right near Rotterdam Central, is vintage Rotterdam. There is no option to stand still. Around the fountain, cars, trams, cyclists, and pedestrians dance in a never-ending choreography.

We are here for the Benthemplein, which was at the top of my list. The square is tucked away between the buildings of the Technicon complex. You could almost walk past it. We lock our bikes under the building. From the façade of the Youth Theatre Hofplein, dancing silhouettes by Karel Appel gaze at us. It is quiet here, but at other times it must be filled with students. Eight schools are housed in the Technicon complex.

The inner courtyard was redesigned about ten years ago based on a design by De Urbanisten, who proposed digging three basins. The design excels in simplicity. In the deepest basin lies a sports field that could just as well be a stage; the steps leading up to it serve as a grandstand. You could probably skate well here.

If you look a bit longer, you see why the square could count on so much admiration. During heavy rainfall, the sunken areas fill up one by one, temporarily holding the rainwater out of the sewer. It is a pleasure to discover how the rainwater finds its way, from the roofs to the open gutters that crisscross the square, then from one basin to another, occasionally hindered by a wall that regulates the water levels. The basins are designed so that every amount of water gives the square a different appearance. You would almost want to wait for a heavy downpour here.

De Standaard