Van Nellefabriek

Glass, steel and daylight in Rotterdam

The Van Nellefabriek on the Schie is one of the most photographed industrial buildings in the Netherlands, and for good reason. The factory dates from the late 1920s and was designed by Brinkman and Van der Vlugt. In 2014 the complex was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of modernist architecture. For an architectural photographer, it is a playground.

What makes the factory so special is the interplay of curved glass facades, horizontal concrete lines and the way the building relates to the water of the Schie. The complex consists of several wings connected by glazed walkways. Those walkways, sometimes called 'mushrooms' or mushroom structures, give the facade a rhythmic character that invites repetition in your composition.

Light and season

The north facade catches diffuse light best in overcast conditions. Strong midday sun quickly makes the reflections on the glass too heavy. Early in the morning, when the light is low and the factory is still quiet, you get the finest texture out of the steel structures. In autumn and winter the sun sits lower, producing longer shadows across the horizontal concrete bands. That works well. The reflection of the facade in the Schie is strongest on calm, windless mornings.

Compositions and focal lengths

A wide angle of 24mm or 28mm lets you get close to the facade and emphasises the converging perspective lines. A telephoto of 85mm or 135mm compresses the repeated elements in the facade into an almost abstract pattern. Both work, but choose deliberately. Also shoot from a low position along the water to bring in a reflection as an extra layer in your image.

Practical

The Van Nellefabriek is an active multi-tenant business building. Photographing from outside on the grounds and along the Schie is freely accessible. For shots inside the complex you need permission from the building manager. Parking is available nearby, but on working days it fills up quickly. A bicycle or public transport is easier. If you are coming for interior photography, get in touch well in advance via the official website of the complex.

Sources and further reading

• Van Nellefabriek officiële website
• UNESCO World Heritage – Van Nellefabriek
• Gemeente Rotterdam – Erfgoed