Studio Libeskind's glass extension to the art déco tower of Antwerp

Daniel Libeskind’s studio has designed in Belgium an extension to the famous Antwerp art deco tower, the Boerentoren, which was one of the very first skyscrapers built in Europe. The 96-meter-high tower – designed by Belgian architect Jan Van Hoenacker – was originally built between 1929 and 1932 for residential use. Later, the KBC bank transformed it into an office tower and, in the late 1960s, it was renovated and commissioned an initial expansion.

The Libeskind’s proposal is being developed with architecture studio ELD and won the competition held by the port operator Katoen Natie, the current owner of the building. The aim is to transform the building into a cultural institution for the public, preserving at the same time its architectural heritage.

The extension – which will not exceed the height of the cathedral of Antwerp, 123 meters high – includes a volume at the top of the tower and a glass tower at the rear elevation. Large spaces dedicated to the green will be visible from the outside. The expansion of Libeskind will be open to the public and used as a viewpoint, from which to admire the skyline of Antwerp, drink, and dine. As part of the project, the studio also plans to dedicate some of the existing tower spaces to cultural and educational programs, including exhibition spaces dedicated to the history of Antwerp.

“In its day the Boerentoren was an unprecedented art deco design, just like the Empire State Building in New York. […] It was a private building with flats and offices. Today we are transforming the entire complex into a public space for art”, said Libeskind.

If restoration work on the Boerentoren has already begun, Libeskind’s design is still yet to be approved, so the final design may change.