The damped southern docks: green oasis in the city

Antwerp
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The "Gedempte Zuiderdokken" (South docks) form an elongated square in the south of Antwerp, parallel to the bank of the Scheldt. For a long time, this large site was used as a huge parking lot. 

Client AG VESPA
Location Antwerpen, België
Period 2016 - 2023
Architect ADR architectes/Georges Descombes, Erik de Waele et LEA.

In September 2015, the City of Antwerp decided to completely redevelop the site with the ambition of developing a new green public space by constructing underground car parks to free up the above ground space .

The project is called "Dok Zuid" and will provide Antwerp with an important new public space, which will stretch over approximately 9 hectares and combine a park and a square.

The historical design of the quays (three quays) is reflected in the design with its series of three consecutive zones. The two outer zones develop as gardens with alternating herbaceous zones, different plantings and areas for sports and games.

The green design and the presence of different paths will increase the degree of interaction between Dok Zuid and the activities around it.

The whole allows for a new urban activity that responds to the needs of the neighborhood with unique restaurants, stores and cultural houses.

The resolutely "green" character and the preservation of the dimensions of the docks promote a strong cohesion within this public space.

 

Tractebel's mission is to produce a sketch design, to phase the project and to provide advice on the redesign of the public spaces.