OBJECT Rotterdam moves to AIR

Rotterdam design fair OBJECT will take place in the city centre for the first time on 14, 15 and 16 February. AIR, the former V&D building right next to the Koopgoot, will be the setting for hundreds of special interior designs and art objects for once. Visitors can take a look at several floors of the prominent building, which is being opened up especially for the occasion. Unilever will move into the building in the spring, but first OBJECT will settle in this unique location.

Not your average design fair, OBJECT is known for its dynamic character and surprising locations. After several years in the monumental HAKA building, OBJECT is moving to the centrally located AIR that previously housed V&D and Hudson's Bay. The fair offers almost 10,000 square metres of bright, transparent exhibition space. Including stunning views of the bustling city centre. Next edition, the fair once again showcases work from all corners of the world, local talents are well represented, but also designers from other European countries, Asia and the African continent. Over 100 designers will show their latest creations here in February, for viewing and sale.

Located in Rotterdam's shopping heart, AIR is surrounded by iconic buildings such as De Grote Kerk, Markthal and the WTC. Within walking distance of Central Station, this edition OBJECT connects the Koopgoot with Rotterdam's creative community.

OBJECT never stands still either

"The centre is an exciting place where an incredible amount happens and lots of different people come together. That energy and diversity suits our DNA, OBJECT never stands still either," says director Anne van der Zwaag. During the weekend, there will be a side programme of lectures, interviews and special presentations at design hubs in the immediate area.

About AIR

Designed by architecture firm Kraaijvanger in 1947, the V&D was a textbook example of Rotterdam's reconstruction architecture. In the years that followed, the facade of the building underwent many transformations, but always retained its function as a department store. In recent years, however, WOMO Architects has completely preserved and transformed the striking building into AIR: a multifunctional place for working, shopping, meeting and relaxing. The building was remodelled under the leadership of development consortium NEOO and Schroders Capital. The shops and public bicycle parking underneath the building have already opened and the offices are partly occupied by Spaces.