Vertical City

by Kirsten Kortleven

In this work, we capture the imposing presence of 'De Rotterdam' Rem Koolhaas' architectural masterpiece on Wilhelminapier. The composition emphasises the enormous scale and rhythmic repetition of the glass and steel, making the building almost an abstract pattern against the Dutch cloudy sky. A unique element in this picture is the subtle colour gradation and light reflections in the windows, which give the austere pragmatism of the architecture a surprisingly soft, almost dreamlike texture. The huge overhanging volume on the left side creates a powerful sense of depth and gravity.

My inspiration for this image was the overwhelming grandeur of the modern Kop van Zuid. As I looked up, I became fascinated by how the three towers seem to interlock and claim the sky. I did not want to simply photograph a building, but to capture the city's ambition and "don't bullshit" mentality in a single image. It is an ode to Rotterdam's reconstruction and constant drive for renewal.

This work exudes a cool, confident energy. It is a technical sculpture that brings calm through its symmetry and repetition, but at the same time inspires awe through its massiveness. In an interior, this sculpture acts as a window to the modern world; it fits perfectly in an office or a sleek living room where minimalism and metropolitan allure take centre stage.