Heatherwick Studio has today revealed its proposal for the Shift Landmark – a project that asks us to imagine a different kind of public place: one that supports people to feel connected, informed and hopeful for the climate future we all share.
‘Urban Reef’, the studio’s proposal, is one of five shortlisted designs revealed today by Dutch social venture Shift. The Landmark is planned for Waterkant, a new waterfront district in the south of Rotterdam that aims to become one of Europe’s most forward-looking urban neighbourhoods.
The studio’s design focuses on creating an experience rather than a traditional building. Visitors move through a series of spaces designed to spark curiosity and build understanding. An immersive, multisensory exhibition introduces the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world in a grounded, accessible way – presenting the climate challenge without fear or blame.
Lisa Finlay, Group Leader and Partner at Heatherwick Studio said:
“The competition has been a chance to think about how buildings can
help show that we can live in a lighter way; with less impact on our planet. Our design is a
celebration of the possibilities and an invitation to explore them.”
Don Ritzen, Founder and CEO of Shift, added:
“While 75% of Europeans are concerned about climate change, only 10% are taking meaningful action. We want to create a space of wonder, hope and possibility that inspires everyone to take action. Shift aims to turn climate ambition into something people can experience. By combining art, architecture, innovation and education, the Landmark is designed to make a circular future visible, tangible and irresistibly compelling, giving millions a clear pathway from inspiration to action.”
Like a reef, the building layers the story of climate action, building from the ground up. The journey then opens with a bright space that highlights stories and practical ideas from around the world, showing how real, constructive change is already happening. As visitors leave, simple tools — including personal carbon footprint scanning — help them understand their own impact without judgement. The aim is to offer a clear sense of agency, with small, hopeful steps that people can take immediately.
The building itself reflects the brief’s ambition for a landmark that, like coral reefs, is both regenerative and adaptable. Minimising embodied carbon, the project proposes a timber structure paired with modular components that can be reconfigured as science and the exhibition content evolve. The external skin and interior finishes draw on biobased and recyclable materials, reducing waste.
The surrounding landscape emphasises biodiversity. A sequence of planted terraces and outdoor rooms will support local species and offer visitors moments of calm. Natural ventilation strategies, daylit interiors and integrated water management systems make the building environmentally efficient while offering a comfortable public experience.
The winning design will be announced in the spring, and the successful team will enter a participation process with local communities.
