Sorba Projects has build a part of the new façade of Ahoy Rotterdam, the venue for the Eurovision Song Contest from 18 May onwards. Our expertise in the field of façade engineering made us the obvious party to carry out this project. By using 7-metre long black panels, the façade has become a striking appearance and it gets, we think, a well deserved “douze points!.
Jack of all trades
Ahoy Rotterdam is a well-known venue for concerts and other events. Since its construction in 1968, the complex has been regularly updated, renovated and expanded. It is now not only an events hall but also has an office complex, catering facilities and conference and meeting rooms.
When Duncan Laurence won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2019, the Netherlands was allowed to host one of the biggest events in the world. The question was where it would take place. In the end, Ahoy Rotterdam won the bid and the organisation of this massive event could begin.
Delayed, not cancelled
In the meantime, the renovation of the complex was already in full swing; the entire façade had been renewed and the necessary adjustments were made inside as well. Everything was ready in time for Eurovision.
And then there was Covid … Like many events and organisations, the Eurovision Song Contest was postponed. Ahoy Rotterdam was turned into an emergency hospital instead, a task it had never performed before. But in this case, the delay was not a cancellation….In 2021, the Song Contest will definitely take place.
Sorba loves a challenge
And that is why the façade Sorba produced for Ahoy is now in full view, enough reason to highlight this bespoke project!
The special feature of this project is the size of the panels: 7 metres long and over a metre high. Because of this exceptional size, there were only a limited number of parties who could carry out this project.
The project manager : “These are enormous panels that are difficult to handle. This made assembly a challenge, and we ultimately carried it out using a small crane.”
Striking façade in black
The chosen colour black is known to be difficult to use, as black panels can expand, deform or fade. By using Alpolic, a UV-resistant, aluminium composite, these problems are avoided. Sorba is the exclusive dealer of this product.
A remarkable part of the façade are the white strips. They seem to be part of the panels, but as soon as it gets dark, you see that they are actually light bars, which give the façade also at night a contemporary look.
A performance worthy of the Grand final
With the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in sight, it was important that the project would not be delayed. Thanks to the good cooperation of all parties, the deadline was met on time. Sorba is proud of the contribution it has been able to make to the international image of Ahoy, the Netherlands, and with it Sorba. In short, Ahoy’s new façade is a worthy finalist!
The Eurovision Song Contest 2021 will be held in Ahoy, Rotterdam from 18 May onwards. The Grand Final is on Saturday 22 May 2021.
