The reconversion of the old port of Eilandje into a residential neighborhood raises the question of how to classify and approach its public spaces. Though it is a site indeed characterized by the voids that often accompany major infrastructure, its singularity stems above all from the new situation the contemporary city has positioned it in. A situation in which there is little sense in falling back upon known models.
In order to avoid diminishing the particular “excessiveness” of these quays, only 15% of the surfaces are planted. A system of “planted blocks” shapes the whole into a unique public space. Put into perspective, they comprise a dense landscape, while laterally maintaining prospects and views towards the inner harbors.
The planning of the first series of quays was carried out with the larger scale of the project in mind. oplm
City of Antwerp
MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
Atelier JPLX, Architects and Urban planners
Rob Cuyvers, Architect
120 ha (296 acres)