KPN Telecom Building, Rotterdam

KPN Telecom Building, Rotterdam

The KPN Telecom building stands at a height of 96.5 meters and is situated in Rotterdam. This distinctive office structure was designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, with construction commencing in 1998. On September 28, 2000, the building was formally inaugurated by its proprietor, KPN. The innovative motion graphic light installation concept and design were crafted by Studio Dumbar.

Positioned within Rotterdam's docks area, the KPN Telecom building captivates observers due to two primary characteristics: its slanted orientation and the ability of its facade to function as a dynamic electronic billboard for displaying graphic projections.

The tower is constructed around a central vertical core, flanked by two adjoining sections. The initial segment, spanning 16 floors, faces south. The second, taller segment features a 5.9-degree incline, mirroring the angle of the suspension cables on the nearby Erasmus Bridge.

The slanted side of the tower boasts a curtain wall covering 3,600 square meters, serving as a monochromatic 'electronic canvas' capable of projecting animations. These projections can be seen from distances of up to 2 kilometers, made possible by a grid of 896 specially crafted 24-volt lights.

To ensure lateral stability, a cigar-shaped steel support column, rising to 45 meters in height, is positioned at the center of the screen facade, holding the building securely in place.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rotterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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KPN Telecom Building on Map

Sight Name: KPN Telecom Building
Sight Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Rotterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Rotterdam

Create Your Own Walk in Rotterdam

Creating your own self-guided walk in Rotterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Delfshaven District Walking Tour

Delfshaven District Walking Tour

Part of the old city of Rotterdam, the borough of Delfshaven – situated on the right bank of the river Nieuwe Maas, is rich in history. Prior to 1886 it had been a separate municipality which grew around the port of the city of Delft.

Delft itself was not located on a major river, so in 1389 a Voorhaven (outer harbor) to the south, along with the Aelbrechtskolk waterpass, had to be created to...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Rotterdam Introduction Walking Tour

Rotterdam Introduction Walking Tour

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It is located at the Nieuwe Mass channel's mouth, which leads to the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta and the North Sea.

Rotterdam boasts Europe's largest port and is known for its maritime history, culture, and modern architecture. Its waterway location has earned it the name "Gateway to the World."

Rotterdam's...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
Cheese Shops in Rotterdam

Cheese Shops in Rotterdam

Although many countries claim cheese to be their unique product, Dutch cheeses are indeed an iconic, standalone thing. Amid a cornucopia of different cheeses made in The Netherlands, there are quite a few internationally-famed ones originated in Rotterdam.

It is therefore only natural to find a plethora of specialty shops in the city fit to warm the heart of any cheese lover, be it a finder, a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

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Souvenirs Shopping: 16 Genuine Dutch Things to Buy in Rotterdam

Souvenirs Shopping: 16 Genuine Dutch Things to Buy in Rotterdam

Just as any other major Dutch destination, Rotterdam is associated with sea, excellent cheeses, marvelous beer, good food and, generally speaking, good taste. A set of gifts from Rotterdam will duly reflect any, if not all, of these qualities. Listed here are some of the items that might prove well...