Little C
Urban District, Rotterdam
Little C is an urban ensemble of 15 residential and work buildings situated along the Coolhaven in Rotterdam. The district is conceived as a compact, high-density environment with a fine-grained scale, combining metropolitan intensity with an informal and approachable atmosphere.
A defining architectural element of Little C is the extensive use of steel in balustrades, bridges and emergency staircases along the facades. These elements reinforce the robust character of the district. Artist and designer
Ruud-Jan Kokke was an integral member of the design team and added an additional visual layer through his distinct design language. The steel railings are executed in three variants, each referring to steelworking techniques from different historical periods found in the surrounding neighborhoods, including traditional wrought iron, riveted construction and Jugendstil sheet metal.
This approach gives Little C a strong identity while connecting it to its urban context. Little C celebrates informal, high-density city living. By defining a number of clear core principles, anchoring, permeability and informality, and continuously testing the design against these principles, a rare and fully integrated urban project was realized in the heart of Rotterdam.
The clarity of the concept resulted in a collaborative design process marked by enthusiasm and precision. All parties involved, together with co-creating client panels and the Daniel den Hoed Family House, worked with great care down to the smallest details.
From the variety of ground-floor programs and the family house to the wide range of dwelling sizes, from narrow alleys to distinctive loft typologies, from the reuse of paving stones in the public realm to signage and lettering, all elements within Little C are interrelated. The result is a residential area in which urban design, architecture and public space reinforce one another as a single narrative. From the moment of completion, the district feels lived-in, timeless and naturally embedded, functioning as a connective piece between different parts of the city. Spatial Concept: A Village with a Metropolitan Character The spatial concept of Little C is that of a refined urban environment with high density and a small grain, composed of compact building volumes.
This is contrasted by a generous green park along the waterfront. Little C feels like a village with a metropolitan character, a quality inspired by The Village in New York. Urban living is celebrated and begins at ground level. Public squares, intimate streets, a connecting park and a pedestrian bridge linking directly to Erasmus MC bring cohesion and continuity to the urban fabric. Abundance of Green in the Public Realm
The outdoor spaces are characterized by a green, robust and no-nonsense material palette, where concrete and reused paving stones define the atmosphere. An abundance of planting at ground level, along facades, between buildings and on roof terraces forms a strong counterbalance to stone and concrete.
This greenery not only enhances well-being for residents and visitors but also attracts bees, insects and birds, contributing to urban biodiversity and nature inclusivity. Integrated Design with Care for People and City The plan is an ensemble of 15 distinct buildings designed at a human scale. On the ’s-Gravendijkwal side, three substantial buildings form the urban entrance from the Maastunnel, while simultaneously shielding a calm inner area. Within this sheltered zone, smaller tower buildings are positioned close together around three green courtyards.
The buildings are carefully grounded, with smooth transitions between interior and exterior spaces achieved through natural stone plinths, subtle level changes, arcades, canopies and steps. Architecture Defined by Richly Detailed Facades The architecture of Little C combines the qualities of the many fine brick buildings in the surrounding area with a density that is unique within Rotterdam.
Material use plays a key role in anchoring the project in its context. The buildings form a family, expressed through richly detailed masonry, each with its own identity. Together they create a lively and cohesive urban image. Smart Design, Inside and Out To accommodate the small residential towers, three buildings share a single entrance and lift core. Striking pedestrian bridges connect buildings at various levels.
The wide variety of housing types and sizes was developed together with future residents, resulting in unique dwellings that form a representative urban mix. Many homes have a loft-like character, with open layouts, exposed concrete and black-framed windows with subdivided glazing.
