In honour of the 500th anniversary of The Praise of Folly’s first publication by Desiderius Erasmus, the city of Rotterdam plans to erect an Erasmus House, to become the new cultural centre.

Situated between the Grote Kerkplein (the square in front of the church) and a busy shopping street, the building opens itself to the square. With the strict geometry and robustness the building tries to attain its monumentality. Especially in the front facade, where the exposed structural elements connect the stacked functions – bar/restaurant, exhibition spaces and roof terrace – visually.