03.09.2019
Between 2009 and 2011 Rotterdam Ahoy underwent a large-scale expansion and modernization based on a design by ZJA Zwarts & Jansma Architects. The flexibility of the arena was optimized, and the visitor capacity was increased to 15,000 seats. Now, Rotterdam Ahoy has been selected to host the 65th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2020.
Bas Symons, project architect at ZJA: "We are very pleased that the Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Rotterdam Ahoy, a venue for which ZJA created the design in collaboration with Merkx + Girod Architects. The visitor capacity has been increased and special attention was given to the overall visitor experience of Ahoy. The roof was completely renewed during the renovation to allow a greater clearance and to increase the load capacity of the roof trusses for camera’s, lighting and other objects. This makes Rotterdam Ahoy an ideal location for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020."
Multifunctional and flexible building
Rotterdam Ahoy can accommodate a multitude of events, small and large, and all with a huge range of very specific requirements for lighting, acoustics and spatial experience. The greater load-bearing capacity of the roof and the use of moving screens and curtains ensures that the function, layout and volume can be adjusted. In addition, the lighting is very adaptive and offers the possibility of using various colors. It is an important tool to evoke the desired atmosphere for visitors. Precisely these elements greatly increase the quality of the building for visitors and make Rotterdam Ahoy one of the most versatile event locations in the Netherlands.
Photo: Copyright B2S
