In the old Fotomuseum an exposition is showing the results of the architectural competition ‘Burgermeester zoekt woning’, in search of a new residence for the mayor of Rotterdam. Overall, the quality is poor, not only in architecture, but also more strikingly, in ideas. As there was no given location, participants could choose one to strengthen their own concepts. Disappointing to see so many chose the same (de Hef, Maas-oevers), not much originality here and few used the location choice as a strategic tool. Many entries only concerned themselves with looking spectacular; no one really addressed bigger issues in Rotterdam. I liked the choice of one entry to use the mayor’s house to create a new green infrastructure. Didn’t really get the appeal of the winning entry. The jury was disappointed to see very few did anything with the ecological questions posed in the brief. Funny to read that they didn’t awarded a third prize, but instead used that prize-money to educate all entrants.
