
The Splash: a multifunctional meeting place in Rotterdam Zuid
- Title
- The Splash (2021)
- Artist
- Arttenders x Cindy Bakker
- Client
- Rotterdam. Make it Happen
- In collaboration with
- Gemeente Rotterdam
- Eurovision Songfestival
- Location
- Annie M.G. Schmidtplein, Rotterdam


The Shape of rotterdam
Everyone deserves an inspiring built environment. Commissioned by Rotterdam. Make it Happen, the brand alliance of the City of Rotterdam, we came up with the strategy for The Shape of Rotterdam.
Each and every Shape tells the story of its location. It includes functionality and will become an iconic eye-catcher through its spectacular design. A great example of an integral approach to urban development.
Splash into Hart van Zuid
The first Shape comes to life on the brand new square between Rotterdam Zuid’s swimming pool and the Kunstenpand, which houses Theater Zuidplein and Bibliotheek Rotterdam, the library. The Shape will function as a meeting point for the neighborhood.

Artistic collaboration with Cindy Bakker
The Splash is a spatial experience, inspired by the publicly accessible pools from the sixties with a wink to the current brand new indoor swimming pool located in the south of Rotterdam. The eye-catching design by Arttenders and the Rotterdam based artist Cindy Bakker was chosen by a jury. They praised the modularity and the boldness of the design that both suit the image of Rotterdam well. The multifunctional usability of the design provides a space to gather and can act as a stage for all ages. All objects are movable within the square, hence creating a COVID proof design. With The Splash the Annie M.G. Schmidtplein receives its own signature in Rotterdam and gives the south of Rotterdam more colour.
The Shape of Rotterdam. Make it Happen
Rotterdam. Make it Happen is the brand alliance of the city of Rotterdam. Under the umbrella of Make it Happen, Rotterdam based organizations collaborate to create international awareness for Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is a city where the Make it Happen mentality can be seen and felt. With people and organisations that make a clear choice for Rotterdam and add their own take on that Rotterdam mentality and ‘can do’ spirit. Whether they live here, are just visiting, or are running your own business, or studying here.
The Shape of Rotterdam connects this mindset and mentality to the urband development of the city. With, by and in service of all Rotterdammers.