What many people don't know is that building in Rotterdam also often involves careful thinking about the public space; the Markthal is a striking example of this approach. This site has a very pleasant ambience because the square on which the building is situated is the location for what is almost the largest market in the Netherlands (Binnenrotte Markt). Another factor is that because all deliveries and waste disposal take place underground, you never see any of the trucks which replenish stocks in the Markthal, so the site is not disfigured by a utilitarian rear aspect.

Intelligent solutions for the supply and discharge of water and electricity have also been devised for floating icons such as the Floating Office, Wikkelboats and Nassau lofts. These facilities can also function autonomously thanks to solar panels, as well as being able to cope with rising water levels thanks to special bridges.