Recently opened to the public, the FENIX Migration Museum on the Maas River in Rotterdam has transformed a historic warehouse into a contemporary architectural landmark. At the heart of the design is the dramatic "Tornado" double-helix viewing platform, created by acclaimed architect Ma Yansong. Piercing a complex 3D curved glass roof, this spiral structure offers visitors a dynamic journey both physically and emotionally. 

NorthGlass manufactured the bespoke curved glass roof, made up of 255 one-of-a-kind panels featuring single curves, spherical curves, concave bends, and torus inner arc surface. Each panel combines laminated IGU with double silver Low-E coating, delivering excellent energy performance and structural safety. The project required extreme precision, with edge tolerances within ±4 mm and step deviations under 2 mm, pushing the limits of manufacturing processes and quality stability. 

As a core component of the viewing platform, the “Tornado” staircase is not only functional but also infuses the space with a strong artistic presence. Natural light pours through the glass roof, reflecting off the stainless steel panels of the spiral structure to create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

The museum embodies the rich history of Rotterdam as the departure point for millions of European migrants bound for the New World. The glass roof, crafted by NorthGlass, stands as a symbol of modern technological achievement and serves as a unique storyteller of this migration epic. As visitors ascend the spiraling “Tornado,” the shifting views framed by NorthGlass glass evoke the migrant’s journey—the opening of new horizons, the pursuit of the unknown, and the intersection of individual destinies with the tides of history.

NorthGlass’ successful delivery of high-precision curved glass solutions for the FENIX project demonstrates its ability to integrate technological innovation with architectural and cultural narratives. With world-class quality and craftsmanship rooted in “Created in China,” NorthGlass helps global landmarks tell their unique stories.