RDM Landmark

The proposal RDM Landmark is a conceptual project by Mothership, developed on behalf of RDM Events and Ahoy, aimed at making the iconic RDM site in Rotterdam more visible and appealing to the public. The focus is on the Onderzeebootloods — a unique industrial venue that has been used for events since 2016, but remains difficult to access and barely visible from the city due to its location on Heijplaat.

To enhance the site’s visibility and appeal, Mothership proposes a striking, multifunctional viewing platform mounted atop three historic harbor cranes. This platform is envisioned not only as a recognizable landmark visible from across the river (the Merwe–Vierhavens area) but also as an event venue and tourist attraction.

At the heart of the design is a visually striking feature: the silhouette of a submarine integrated into the platform. Referencing the submarines once built in the adjacent dockyard, it forms a direct link to the site’s industrial history. Standing on the elevated platform, visitors are literally surrounded by the outline of the submarine — a shape clearly visible from the water and the opposite shore, both inviting and unmistakable. This “submarine on the quay” is conceived as an eye-catching landmark, designed to attract attention, photos, and social media buzz.

The platform is designed for flexible use. In addition to serving as a lookout point, it can easily be transformed into an enclosed event space by lowering canvas sails. In the future, it could even be expanded into a pavilion. The proposal also includes adding a periscope and a deckhouse to enhance the sense of experience and interaction.

The RDM Landmark offers a promising vision for enhancing the visibility and vitality of the Onderzeebootloods — a contemporary tribute to Rotterdam’s maritime and industrial heritage.