David Pronk Photography / Blog

Rotterdam is the city where i was born and raised, and i’ve lived there for nearly 15 years, before moving to Dordrecht and eventually to Amersfoort, so you can imagine that i will always remain to have a big connection with this modern and dynamic city. A city with a rich past and present, reconstructed in a new way after the WWII bombings in 1940. The city is unique for being a city with influences from many cultures around the world, mainly for having one of the biggest ports in the world.

The recently completed Maastoren, is currently the highest building in the Benelux.

The city is literally a playground for architects and building styles, famous examples are the Erasmus Bridge by architect Ben van Berkel, the Cube Houses by Piet Blom and the Delftse Poort by architect Abe Bonnema.

For me as a photographer, especially for someone who loves architectural photography, Rotterdam is the place to be. The modern city offers a perfect playground for many compositions and viewpoints, and is a great place to explore many modern building styles, from Post-Modernism to Structural Expressionism.

With the new area of the ‘Kop van Zuid‘ being expanded, including a new masterplan from world famous architect Rem Koolhaas, my eyes are open to these new developments. The recently completed Maastoren is currently the highest building in the benelux, but i think it will only be a matter of time before this status is surpassed by a new high-rise building.

‘Rotterdam – The essence of architecture’ is my third collection of photographs about Rotterdam. I am currently exploring the city’s main elements that contribute to the modern and liberal nature that has formed the city and it’s massive growth. But i’m also trying to define the main purpose of the architect when designing a building. What is purpose of the construction in relation to it’s surroundings and the people who are going to take use of the building. Can these modern buildings reflect the history and future of Rotterdam? That is the fundamental question in this series of photographs.

You can view these photographs on Flickr or in the slideshow below:

This panorama of Rotterdam is composited out of 19 photo’s taken last saturday. You can click on the panorama for a larger view.

You can download the large version(14652 by 1923 pixels) here: http://davidpronkfotografie.nl/Rotterdam%20Panorama%20Zuid%20Volledige%20Resolutie.jpg

For a description of some of the buildings featured in the panorama you can view the photo on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davpronk/5390770739/

Exploring architectural compositions and shapes in a new collection of photographs taken in Rotterdam.