Rotterdam is renowned as a cultural hub with a rich maritime history and a vibrant student community thanks to Erasmus University. It was virtually entirely rebuilt after World War II, and as a result, the city is now famous for its striking, contemporary architecture, such as its many skyscrapers. Many renowned architects have built iconic structures in Rotterdam, including Rem Koolhaas, Piet Blom, and Ben van Berkel. The entire history of twentieth-century modern architecture may be seen in just a few square kilometers of the city’s core.