Based in the Netherlands, Mei architects and planners have their enterprise in Rotterdam, which specializes in transformation, urban development strategies, innovative new building concepts, and sustainability.
Founded by Robert Winkel in 2003, this started with his firm, Robert Winkel Architecten, which was later changed to Mei Architects and Planners in 2003. Robert Platje later joined him. Robert Platje is a BREEAM expert and has been Mei’s building technologist since 2000, specialising in architectural detailing and sustainable construction. Currently, he is a concept supervisor at Mei, providing technical solutions. His main motto in his designs is “living the way you want to live,” which shows his passion for designing for the people and not the aesthetic. Lastly, Michiel van Loon joined the Founders Club. He has been working at Mei since 2012, and projects with high complexity or layering of existing or new buildings are his enthusiasm. A few of their works are mentioned to help you understand their design more.
Sawa
Sawa, the healthiest building in the Netherlands, is currently under development. It features 109 affordable apartments, restaurants and social facilities. Sawa, which is 50 meters high, is known for its unique shape and circular wooden building. This building will cause a significant reduction in carbon dioxide. While constructing SAWA, minimum concrete was used, and more importance was given to and used as CLT, known as Cross Laminated Timber. This building by Mei Architect and planners also incorporates green roofing to give more importance to the theme of biodiversity. To help SAWA become energy neutral, Mei architects and planners added PV panels, also known as photovoltaic panels, remote solar panels, sustainable district heating, and other sustainable methods. By following these methods, SAWA becomes energy-neutral and fosters a sense of community. After the completion, SAWA will generate the energy needed by itself.
Gasometer
The Gasometer is a transformational project for Mei architects and planners. The original building was a fossil natural gas supplier for Munster and its surroundings, but it was later left because of the new gas pipeline. It was kept as a landmark. The building is 12 meters high and constructed with a steel plinth and an open steel structure with a telescopic cylinder, the weight of which is 800 tonnes. The upper part of the cylinder floated in a water basin to ensure that natural gas could not escape from the store area.
For the new building, which will consist of mixed mobility hubs and programmes, co-working and commercial spaces, theatre gyms, and a public swimming pool, Mei architects and planners will preserve the steel frame and the plinth. This was done to make a unique image and make this structure the building’s identity. The new building will be paired with wood, making the wood and steel a green building, and will generate its energy, giving the same function as before, which is to provide the city with energy, but this energy will be sustainable. To solve the issue of the noise impact from the surroundings, a semi-closed exterior will be given to this space, which has a green outdoor space from which terraces and galleries can be seen.
The zoning of the building is based on different levels for all types of residents in Munster. The ground levels are for bicycle users, including regular cargo, e-bikes, rental and repair shops, and a public swimming pool. Above these are public facilities, including the theatre, co-working spaces, and health centre. The upper half contains residential spaces, including all types of income classes with different numbers of rooms for all kinds of families, and finally, the public roof garden and vegetable garden at the top of the residence.
Fenix I
This is another famous transformational project by Mei architects and planners. Previously used as a warehouse, it has become an icon for Rotterdam. Completed in 2019, This space, now made for cultural and culinary facilities, parking lots and 212 loft apartments, was created to serve the market and be flexible at the same time. Compared to the original building, the new structure is three times larger. Mei architects and planners were to lower the building on one side and raise it to 10 floors on the other to fit the surroundings.
The design of Fenix I is divided into three parts. The first is an existing warehouse with two stories to be redeveloped for mixed-use. On top of this are apartments and a courtyard, and on top of this is another set of apartments of different sizes. This project aimed to merge traditional and modern and to create a contrast while simultaneously connecting the building to its surroundings.
Mei architects and planners are forward-thinking, focusing on transforming space and creating innovative and sustainable designs. The above-mentioned projects show their commitment to environmental responsibility and the regeneration of structures. Fenix, I reflect Mei’s commitment to bridging past and present while maintaining the character of the building. Through thoughtful urban development, Mei architects and planners continue to shape the environment for the people in the best way possible.
References:
- Mei architects and planners. Available at: https://mei-arch.eu/en/
Image References:
- Mei’s Office_Mei (Website) Available at https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipMospEwD1IXrWhU4Ag8oqCCKUmq3RPxbInWBiPd=s1360-w1360-h1020
- The Founders, Robert, Robert and Michiel_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/about-mei/
- 3D depiction of SAWA_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/sawa/
- The Old structure of Gasometer_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/gasometer/
- Illustration of the new Gasometer_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/gasometer/
- Interior look of Gasometer_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/gasometer/
- Fenix I completed_Mei (Website) Available at https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/fenix-1/
