Walking from the Hoogstraat, the facades of the surrounding buildings at the end are lit up by sunlight. This indicates a larger public space, a place where - certainly in contrast to the busy narrow Hoogstraat - there is more room for light and dynamic movement. Just in this illuminated spot there is a peculiar building - a lot smaller in size and detail than the buildings behind it. The horizontally orient- ed building is in a slight angle with the Hoogstraat. It doesn’t seem bothered by
its surroundings. Or maybe it’s the other way around? Certainly, the angle draws the attention of the oncoming public. Being closer to the building a clear figure is readable. Although the building in itself looks contemporary - old and rather clear references to classical renaissance architecture makes you wonder in which time this fits best. It is clear the building as a whole consciously plays this game.

Very sober details in the natural stone block make the building instantly look like a house in the simplest sense of the word. On the other hand, the highly decorated columns on both sides of the entrance let it feel like a building of quite an importance.

The interior space is characterized by a decorated, but subdued ensemble of mostly stark materials. This creates a quiet atmosphere. Filtered sunlight enters through a large curtain that covers a big part of the back facade.

Little people, mostly on their own, are sitting across the room. There is a sense of ease, seriousness and peace. They drink coffee or eat a sandwich from the market while reading a book. Being inside it is now clear how the imposing entrance relates to rest of the building. The opulence of the interior has crept out in its most extreme form and shows itself to the Rotterdam public.