In May 2025, the doors of Fenix officially opened. The museum is housed in the fully transformed San Francisco warehouse in Katendrecht, Rotterdam. At the heart of this restoration stands the striking observation tower, the Tornado, designed by MAD Architects.
Fenix, the new art museum dedicated to migration, invites wonder, connection, and a fresh perspective on the city. That view unfolds from the Tornado, which rises like a sparkling beacon above the historic harbour building. As co-architect of Fenix, Powered by EGM was responsible for the architectural detailing of the tower. The design bridges past and present. Visually and structurally, the new Tornado hovers apart from the original listed building. Its mirror-finished stainless steel skin is a contemporary eye-catcher. Quite literally, the Tornado breaks through the roof, piercing a three-dimensionally shaped glass atrium canopy.
There are two connected spirals, so the structure becomes self-supporting. This was essential to avoid columns in the middle. And then it becomes an experience
Ma Yansong, architect & founder of MAD Architects, on designboom.com
Bringing the Tornado to life required close collaboration between international designers, engineers, and local craftspeople. Every detail was studied and refined with the utmost precision — from the spaceframe composed of thousands of unique steel elements to the seamless mirrored cladding that captures and reflects daylight.
With an impressive height of 30 metres and its gleaming façade, the Tornado marks the transformed Fenix II warehouse as a new landmark on the River Maas. The building adds vitality to Katendrecht and strengthens Rotterdam’s identity as a city that innovates while staying true to its soul.
Explore the Fenix project here.
2025.05.16