The Van Nelle Factory, built in 1925-31 for the refining and packing processes of coffee, tea and tobacco, is the result of a thorough analysis of technical functions of this specific factory (raw products were taken to the top floor of the factory buildings to move down a floor after each stage of processing) and of improving the social aspects ('human element') of working in a factory and also of an intensive co-operation between the principal (C.H. van der Leeuw, a confirmed theosophist) and the architects J.A. Brinkman (1902-1949) & L.C. van der Vlugt (1894-1936), assisted by architect Mart Stam (18991986) and contractor J.G. Wiebenga (1886-1974), all dedicated to the 'Nieuwe Bouwen' (the Dutch branch of the international Modern Movement).

Truly Rotterdam at its best and a masterpiece of modern industrial heritage as well as a Unesco tentative monument. I /love/ this building and the fact that it has been restored and used by young creative companies. It is a typical example of the "Nieuwe Bouwen" movement in the 1930-ies, designed by -amongst others- Mart Stam.

You can find some very high resolution pictures at
Van Nelle Ontwerpfabriek Rotterdam.

See more snaps at architectuur.org and flickr or googl. images. Or see the building on wikimapia