The landmark Boerentoren tower in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, will be transformed into a significant new public cultural center by Daniel Libeskind, the founder of Studio Libeskind. In this latest expansion, Studio Libeskind intends to add cultural services and a rooftop outlook alongside restaurants, cafes, and exhibition galleries to the renowned 90-year-old high-rise, created in the art deco style by Belgian architect Jan Van Hoenacker.
©photogoroda.com
Boerentoren Tower’s History Overview:
The Boerentoren was the first skyscraper built in Europe between 1929 and 1932. Before becoming the headquarters of the KBC bank after World War II, it was a residential skyscraper. It was designated a historic landmark and added to Flanders’s listed cultural heritage in 1981, all under the direction of Heritage Antwerp and the Flanders Heritage Department.
Boerentoren Tower to Become “Public Space For Art”:
In the brand-new design, Libeskind will adorn the top of the skyscraper with an angular glass expansion and vertical translucent shafts covered in lush greenery at the back façade, a characteristic attribute in much of Libeskind’s work. In an approach toward sustainable construction.
Additionally, Libeskind will maintain and repair the Boerentoren tower’s historic character while enhancing its landmark status with distinctive architectural style and design.
The image of the design proposal shows an angular, glazed structure at the existing building’s rear elevation, surrounded by a lot of greenery. ©Luxigon
The design studio noted, “almost the whole building will host the Phoebus Art Experience, which will initially feature artwork chosen from The Phoebus Foundation’s art collection, with a separate gallery area devoted to presenting the foundation’s historical collection of port heritage. In general, The Phoebus Foundation “will be at the center of the tower’s cultural purpose, with The Boerentoren Tower becoming the next cultural hub of Antwerp.
©Luxigon
Daniel Libeskind will collaborate with Belgian architects ELD on the project, according to VRT news. However, other project specifics were kept by officials under wraps. Given that the city considers the tower’s height a sensitive matter, it will not rise higher than the Antwerp cathedral when the building’s expansion finishes (which now equals 123 meters). The design by Studio Libeskind may significantly change, according to VRT news, which also noted that the authorities have not yet given their approval.
If the plans receive approval from the Flemish master builder, heritage and urban planning authorities, and the fire service, The Boerentoren Tower’s scheduled to open in 2028.
