The Industriegebouw (HIG) on Goudsesingel is 10 years old. Well, the renovated version of this monument. Because the original building was opened in 1951. What exactly is an industriegebouw? And is there anything of that idea still visible today?
‘Industriegebouw’ is a term from the 1950s meaning: a collective building for companies. After World War II, many entrepreneurs had no business space due to the bombing. Also, starters had little money. By grouping together in large buildings, they could share various facilities. Such as a doorman, a mailroom, the canteen and also the costs for management and maintenance.
Concrete, glass and steel
In Rotterdam, three industriegebouwen were built shortly after the war. At Oostzeedijk in Kralingen (now converted into Student Hotel), the Industriegebouw on Goudsesingel, and the Groothandelsgebouw on Weena. All designed by architects Maaskant and Van Tijen. They were inspired by modern construction techniques and materials such as concrete, glass and steel. This is clearly visible in all three buildings.
From tools to rehabilitation
The Industriegebouw on Goudsesingel housed various companies and organizations. Such as a steel and tools trade, a washing machine showroom and even a rehabilitation center. The idea was that rehabilitating in a building with such a dynamic work atmosphere would positively influence recovery.
Empty and dilapidated
In the decades after, the building deteriorated and at the beginning of this century it was largely vacant. But in 2015, a duo of entrepreneurs dared to buy the building. They wanted to restore it to its original state and function. Now, 10 years later, it seems to have succeeded. The building is completely renovated and houses more than 280 companies.
Again very diverse tenants
The great thing is that this new situation resembles the early years. Again, the diversity of tenants in the building is striking: from starting self-employed persons to large, successful companies such as the architecture firm MVRDV and game developer Behaviour Interactive. And many appealing hospitality venues, such as by Jarmusch, Héroine and – soon – Stooges.
Meeting rooms and ping pong table
In short, just as diverse as it started or as it is now called: a ‘mixed community’. This time without a mailroom and doorman, but with other shared facilities such as a bicycle storage, meeting rooms and a ping pong table.
Facts and figures
1947 First pile driven
1951 Official opening
1991 National monument
2015 Opening of the new style HIG
Rectangular, U-shaped building of 22,000 m2
More than 280 companies, where more than 1000 people work together.
