Van Nelle Factory, Industrial landmark in Overschie, Netherlands
The Van Nelle Factory is an industrial building in Rotterdam featuring glass curtain walls and concrete columns, with three connected production buildings rising in graduated heights from six to eight stories. The structure uses extensive glazing to bring natural light into all areas.
The factory was constructed between 1925 and 1931, marking a turning point in industrial architecture through its modernist design principles. The project set new standards for designing production spaces across Europe.
The building shows how the Netherlands shaped modern architecture, with abundant daylight and open spaces designed to improve working conditions. Visitors can still see how the design was meant to make work easier and more pleasant.
The building now functions as a modern office complex and event venue with various spaces for businesses and conferences. Visitors should take time to explore the interior design and how light and shadow interact throughout the building.
The building contains one of the first industrially prefabricated curtain wall systems made of steel and glass, which was a revolutionary solution at the time. This technology allowed massive amounts of daylight to flood the production areas and was completely new for its era.
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