Former Unilever office building, Corporate monument in Dijkzigt, Netherlands.
The Former Unilever office building is a modernist structure from the 1930s featuring bold angular forms and expansive window surfaces across its facade. Its geometric composition across multiple levels demonstrates early twentieth-century industrial design principles characteristic of progressive corporate architecture.
Architect Herman Friedrich Mertens designed this headquarters in 1931 during a period of rapid industrial expansion in Rotterdam. The structure became a symbol of modernist corporate building in the interwar period for the Netherlands.
The site now functions as an educational institution, connecting its past as a corporate center to its present role in training new professionals. This shift reflects how industrial heritage buildings adapt to serve changing community needs.
The building now houses Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and sits near Museumpark, making it accessible for viewing the exterior and exploring the surrounding neighborhood. The area contains other cultural institutions and is well-connected to the city's transportation network.
The interior was comprehensively redesigned by EGM Architecten with contemporary spatial elements while the original exterior remained unchanged. This approach demonstrates a thoughtful balance between preserving historical character and adapting spaces for modern use.
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