The Antwerp Port Authority have announced Zaha Hadid
Architects will build their new headquarters: Port
House.
Located on the boundary between the city of Antwerp and
its harbour, the new headquarters will house
approximately 500 staff (currently working in separate
buildings) in a single new building that comprises a former
fire station and the new extension.
The new Port House design consists of two entities: the
existing fire station and a new crystalline volume lifted
above the retained building. Together they form an
impressive new landmark as the headquarters of the
Antwerp
Port Authority, overlooking the city and port, and
symbolizing Antwerp as a port of global importance and a
major
economic driver of region.
“I am absolutely delighted to be selected to build the
headquarters for the Antwerp Port Authority. Antwerp is
one
of the world’s busiest shipping ports and the new Port
House design reflects the city’s worldwide significance in
communication and transportation. The dichotomy between
the reflective, faceted form of the new extension and
the powerful structural mass of the existing fire station
creates a bold and enigmatic statement for the city.”
states
Zaha Hadid.
The jury selected the design by Zaha Hadid Architects as it
preserves the dignity of the existing fire station whilst
adding a new landmark that will contribute to the further
development of the Het Eilandje district of Antwerp.
Zaha Hadid has won the new Antwerp Port House
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- Elena Sommariva
- 21 January 2009