Discover the living legacy of J.J.P. Oud during a unique architectural tour along four iconic buildings in Rotterdam. Listen to the stories behind the stones, map your own observations and end in the west of the city. A walking ode to a modernist master.

J.J.P. Oud was commissioned as the city architect in 1918 and remained active in Rotterdam until the late 1950s. Oud’s view of architecture as ‘living’ invites residents and visitors to approach his buildings as organic structures that change and affect change in the people who encounter them.

Meet oud

During this activity, participants will learn about four buildings that Oud designed for Rotterdam: the “Spaarbank,” the “Utrecht,” “Café de Unie,” and the housing block “Bospolder-Tussendijken.” Architectural guides will elaborate on each building’s beginnings and explain how the building has changed, culminating in the building’s current significance for the city. Participants will be invited to take notes during the tour, mapping the place and appearance of the building as they experience it.

The tour starts at 13:00 at Monument 1872 and will take participants to four locations and close with a conversation and coffee in Rotterdam West. Participants will walk between locations, and travel once with the subway.

This tour is organized by Dr. Anastasia Hacopian, assistant professor at Utrecht University, in cooperation with Frank Hanswijk, Bjorn de Leeuw, Paul Groenendijk, Huis van de Toekomst, Studio C.A.R.E. and Oud House.

Tour is in Dutch. Catering sponsored by Dirk van de Broek, Schiedamseweg.