Because of its military character, the site was an inaccessible isolated enclave and a blind spot in citizens’ collective memory for years. Its redevelopment is a unique opportunity to achieve a town renewal operation on a large site offering considerable possibilities, internally as well as for its surrounding area. One of the challenges of this project consisted in finding a way to deal with the perimeter on the one hand - accesses to and connections of the military hospital/arsenal with its surroundings - while on the other hand redeveloping the site without compromising its specific character.
Militair Hospitaal Antwerpen is to be the connecting link between Posthofwijk and Zurenborgwijk. The new residential quarter enhances the qualities of the latter two and is sufficiently flexible to deal with any alterations in its surroundings.
The design allows for the possibility to evolve, without for that matter denying its identity as a former enclave.
Besides offering great quality of life the new residential quarter is also striving for optimal openness to the neighbourhood. This receptivity is expressed by the provision of a maximisation of open space and by restricting the number of residential units.
The site is kept free of cars in order to allow occupants and visitors alike to enjoy a high quality experience of its public space.
In collaboration with Stéphane Beel (architectural design), 360 Architecten (architectural design), Collectief Noord (architectural design), uapS (masterplan design), Michel Desvigne Paysagistes (public domain design), Grontmij (structural and MEP engineering), Talboom (public domain study)
Work started in 2005
Client Matexi, Caap, Ag Vespa
Cost 75000000
Status Current works
Type Parks, Public Gardens / Urban development plans / Neighbourhoods/settlements/residential parcelling / Landscape/territorial planning / Apartments / Single-family residence / Multi-family residence / Social Housing / Restaurants / Urban Renewal / Strategic Urban Plans / Lofts/Penthouses / Recovery/Restoration of Historic Buildings / Restoration of façades / Building Recovery and Renewal
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