hanbing wu: Antwerp Port Authority Headquarters by Zaha Hadid architects

Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects

Name of Project: Port House

Location: Antwerp, Belgium

Duration: 2008 – TBC

Client: Antwerp Port Authority

Area: 12,800 (gross)m2

Site Area: 16,400m²

Height: 46m

Design: Zaha Hadid with Patrik Schumacher

Project Architect: Joris Pauwels

Project Team: Jinmi Lee, Florian Goscheff, Monica Noguero, Kristof Crolla, Naomi Fritz, Sandra Riess, Muriel Boselli, Susanne Lettau

Competition Team: Kristof Crolla, Sebastien Delagrange, Paulo Flores, Jimena Araiza, Sofia Daniilidou, Andres Schenker, Evan Erlebacher, Lulu Aldihani

Local Architect: Bureau Bouwtechniek

Structural: Studieburo Mouton

Services: Ingenium

Specialised Services: Daidalos Peutz

Restoration: Origin

Fire: FPC

The concept is a free interpretation of a beam-shaped volume raised above the existing fire brigade building and supported on three sculptured concrete pillars housing the stairs and lifts. Two of the pillars are situated on the covered inner courtyard of the firehouse, while the third is located beside an external support point and consists of a panoramic lift shaft.

The new Port House design consists of two entities: a former 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 both the city and the port.

The new extension is positioned asymmetrically over the central courtyard of the existing building, allowing light to enter the heart of the project. The extension is supported by two sculpted concrete pillars that house stairs and lifts. Within the building, offices are open plan, creating a powerful sense of space but also providing discreet meeting and breakout areas.

The new building’s volume is enclosed by an articulated glass surface: a diamond shaped design with the facade panels rotated slightly with respect to one another. In reference to Antwerp’s diamond industry the building thereby reflects the surroundings during the day while transforming into a radiating crystal at night.