Designing the SocialDesigning the Social

This late 19th-century office building on Rotterdam's waterfront was squatted in the early 1980s, legalised soon after, and still home to a thriving alternative community.

The Poortgebouw was built in Rotterdam in 1879 as the headquarters of a new trading company founded by the notorious entrepreneur Lodewijk Pincoffs. The imposing building was constructed over a main road along the south bank of the Maas river and later acquired national heritage status. When its last tenant, Rotterdam's port authority, moved out in 1977, plans to transform the building into a brothel were met with local resistance. After lying vacant for three years, the building was squatted in 1980. The squatters kept the name of the building, carried out much-needed maintenance, and made it fit for living.

The newly established community added living spaces, shared kitchens and bathrooms, a woodwork shop, a photographic darkroom, a rehearsal space and a stage. The Poortgebouw soon became a renowned venue in the city's underground scene. In 1984, this domestic arrangement was legalised as the occupants started to rent the building from the municipality. A few years later, it was sold to private owners. Today the Poortgebouw is home to about 30 residents and has a give-away shop, a weekly café and a bimonthly performance night.

Function: Housing for 30 to 35 residents, give-away shop, people's kitchen, event space for concerts, films and parties, various workshops, large assembly space and a multifunctional attic.