Please sign to keep this unique building.

[leongoedhart]

http://www.petitiononline.com/poort23/petition-sign.html

The 'Poortgebouw' in Rotterdam is a unique building wich built over the road has been sold without the knowledge of its inhabitants. One of the few buildings that isn't destroyed in te 2nd worldwar is about to be demolished. Please help to keep this architectural treasure up!

Tnx - The inhabitants of Rotterdam
http://www.poortgebouw.nl

[fairie]

Hey guys - I know this looks like one of the stupid spam posts that we see a lot here, but I would really recommend going to this site and reading up on some of the information on this building. It is a truly unique building and really has an impact on its community. Isn't that what we all want in our community? If this building is really torn down or if its use is changed it will be a sad day...

I am totally unaffiliated, I was just moved by the image and the vision of this building and its inhabitants. I signed the petition...

[SDR]

Interesting to read that sightlines from the upper levels of this building, to other important sites in the city, have been preserved. Would love to see details of wood-and-iron stairs, etc etc.

SDR

[fairie]

Where did you see that? I read as much as I could on the sites I found, but most of it was in Dutch, I think... whatever people from the Netherlands speak. (Sorry, am I showing my lack of international knowledge here?)

I would absolutely love to go see this building and meet these people. It sounds like just about the most vibrant and exciting place to be.

Melissa

[SDR]

On the second site, above, scroll down to "List of Documents"; select "Architecture" (site designers should stay away from skinny type in dark colors against black backgrounds, I think!). I've alerted the DesignAddict site about this; a regular there is an industrial designer originally from the Netherlands. Maybe we'll learn more about this project. (Yes, the language is Dutch.)

SDR

[fairie]

I see... Thanks. Lemme read...

[monx]

Thanks to whoever put up this well-meaning but ill-informed post... No, this building is NOT going to be demolished. But the owner is trying to kick us out, so they can renovate (demolish?) the inside and make the whole thing look nice and expensive as it "should".

You can read more about our struggle at www.poortgebouw.nl. Don't forget to sign the petition

Vanita, Joe, Peter, Christine, Jan, Alex and 27 other inhabitants of the Poortgebouw

[fairie]

Hi, Monx... I am happy to get to speak to someone living in the house. I assumed that the person who posted the original request to sign the petition was someone associated, especially since they weren't members of designcommunity.com until they posted that... Anyway...

So, this "renovation" that you speak of - Is that still going to force you guys out? Is that going to change the use and purpose of the building as it is now (seems that it is a cultural icon and a meeting place for artistic and political thinkers)?

I think this would be as bad, if not worse, than demolition. I am still a little confused about the way the building was sold. I was under the impression that from the legal squat that took place in the 80's that the building actually belonged to the inhabitants. I have signed the petition, and I also posted your website on my class discussion board so that others in my design classes can visit... I have had a positive response so far. I am really hoping that this will work out for you all... What is the number of signatures needed in order to "win"?

Melissa