Introduction
The Tropicana swimming pool in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is a fascinating and iconic site with a layered history. Known for its flamboyant design and unique architecture, Tropicana was once a buzzing oasis of tropical leisure but has since become a symbol of Rotterdam’s shifting urban landscape. In this article, we will delve into the history, architecture, and current state of Tropicana, along with the reasons it fell into disuse.
History of Tropicana
Tropicana opened its doors in 1988 as a tropical-themed water paradise. Positioned along the Maas River, it was marketed as a luxurious destination with a distinctly exotic feel, providing a rare year-round escape from The Netherlands’ cool, rainy climate. At its peak, Tropicana boasted multiple swimming pools, slides, a sauna, whirlpools, and even a beach bar, attracting visitors from Rotterdam and beyond. The idea was to give guests an immersive experience akin to a tropical vacation, without needing to leave the city. Tropical plants, bright colors, and ambient lighting were all carefully curated to create an atmosphere that felt far from urban Rotterdam.
Owned by the family-run chain Sportfondsen Rotterdam, Tropicana quickly became a beloved landmark for both residents and tourists. It represented a luxurious form of urban leisure, following a trend that began in the 1970s and ’80s, as cities across Europe invested in large-scale, exotic-themed indoor pools and wellness centers.
Architecture and Design
The architectural design of Tropicana exemplifies 1980s and 1990s pop culture. While not groundbreaking in structure, it achieved distinction through its eclectic mix of styles and its massive glass dome. The dome itself was designed to enclose the pool, creating a greenhouse effect that maintained warm temperatures for tropical plants and allowed natural light to flood the space. The bright, open atmosphere and unique views of the river created a surreal blend of urban and exotic scenery, enhancing the feeling of escapism.
Tropicana’s aesthetic choices were rooted in “paradise” motifs: artificial rock formations, winding pathways, and lush greenery combined to make it feel like an otherworldly getaway. The colorful décor, slides, and themed areas helped maintain a sense of youthful excitement. It was one of Rotterdam’s pioneering “tropical paradises,” using climate control and advanced glass engineering to create a tropical microclimate indoors.
However, Tropicana’s opulent aesthetic and ambitious design came at a high cost. Maintaining the tropical temperature, extensive glass cleaning, and plant care became more challenging and costly as time passed. This upkeep, combined with shifting public tastes, was partly why Tropicana faced financial difficulties.
Decline and Abandonment
By the early 2000s, attendance at Tropicana began to dwindle. Several factors contributed to its decline. The rise of budget airlines in Europe meant that people could easily and affordably travel to real tropical destinations. With the advent of low-cost flights, the allure of an artificial tropical paradise faded, as many could now opt for genuine beach vacations.
Moreover, Rotterdam had begun transforming its urban planning approach to reflect more sustainable, functional, and modern architecture. The old concept of leisure parks and swimming paradises was no longer seen as a profitable business model, especially when competing with lower-cost, smaller recreational facilities. By the late 2000s, Tropicana was no longer financially viable. Finally, in 2010, Tropicana closed its doors, unable to sustain the high maintenance costs required for its upkeep.
The swimming complex was sold off and left abandoned, marking the end of an era. Over time, the building started to deteriorate, with peeling paint, rust, and broken tiles becoming part of the scenery. However, the distinctive glass dome and riverside location kept Tropicana a visible part of the Rotterdam skyline, even as it fell into disrepair.
Current Status and Repurposing Efforts
Despite being abandoned as a swimming pool, Tropicana did not remain unused for long. The building’s unique location and layout attracted interest from creative entrepreneurs, and in 2013, the property was taken over by a group called BlueCity. The group envisioned Tropicana as a “circular economy hub,” where sustainability-focused businesses could set up shop and collaborate.
BlueCity’s concept of a circular economy aimed to transform Tropicana into an incubator for sustainable startups, allowing each business to share resources and minimize waste. For example, one of the pioneering businesses that set up in BlueCity was a mushroom farm, RotterZwam, which grew mushrooms using waste coffee grounds. Other startups, like aquaponics farms and compost companies, soon followed, creating a dynamic ecosystem where waste from one process could fuel another.
The new tenants preserved the architectural integrity of Tropicana while making functional upgrades. The dome remains, though much of the interior has been reimagined to fit offices and production spaces. BlueCity’s initiative is a forward-thinking approach that aligns with Rotterdam’s current push for innovation in sustainability, giving the abandoned site a second life.
In recent years, BlueCity has also hosted public events, tours, and workshops at Tropicana, introducing visitors to the concept of the circular economy. Tropicana, once a symbol of commercial leisure, is now an emblem of sustainable innovation and urban renewal. It serves as a reminder of Rotterdam’s resilience and capacity for reinvention.
The Role of Tropicana in Modern Urban Culture
Tropicana’s journey from a swimming pool to a circular economy hub reflects broader trends in urban planning, sustainability, and adaptive reuse. In the early days, Tropicana catered to a culture of consumerism, where luxury and escapism were highly valued. However, today’s urban priorities have shifted towards sustainability, functionality, and social impact.
The transformation of Tropicana also speaks to a wider phenomenon in Rotterdam and other urban centers, where abandoned buildings are repurposed to serve new economic and social needs. This approach not only breathes life into otherwise derelict structures but also aligns with the sustainability movement, which emphasizes reusing existing resources over building anew.
Future Prospects for Tropicana
The future of Tropicana remains dynamic. BlueCity continues to expand its initiatives, and the building has attracted considerable attention for its innovative model. There are ongoing plans to further refurbish the structure to make it more sustainable and energy-efficient. As interest in sustainable business practices grows, Tropicana could become a central player in Rotterdam’s efforts to establish itself as a green economy hub.
Additionally, Tropicana’s success as BlueCity has inspired similar projects around The Netherlands and Europe, where circular economies are being tested as viable urban development strategies. As such, Tropicana has transitioned from being a leisure destination to a demonstration of sustainable innovation, influencing how cities handle abandoned spaces.
Conclusion
The Tropicana swimming pool in Rotterdam encapsulates the city’s capacity for transformation. From a luxurious water paradise to a derelict building and finally to a beacon of sustainability, Tropicana has changed to mirror Rotterdam’s shifting values and urban identity. Its transformation into BlueCity underscores the importance of rethinking urban spaces and embracing sustainable practices, setting a precedent for similar projects worldwide.
Ultimately, Tropicana’s journey from tropical paradise to eco-hub illustrates both the challenges and opportunities inherent in repurposing urban architecture. Its unique history, architectural ambition, and current role in sustainability provide an inspiring story of adaptation, embodying Rotterdam’s commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability in an ever-evolving urban landscape.
If you’d like to see another (abandoned) swimming pool, check out my blog about my visit to Pripyat in Ukraine.
