Port of Antwerp

The new Port House, a combination of an old protected fire station from 1922 to a design by architect Emiel Van Averbeke with a new building around and above the old building according to a design by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is located on Siberiastraat. or Kaai 63 at the northern end of Kattendijkdok. The combination of old and new led to divided opinions, but personally I think it is a real eyecatcher. The British architect Zaha Hadid with Iraki roots (1950-2016) is known for her sensual interplay of lines in her designs and has built up an impressive international track. Unfortunately she died unexpectedly before she could admire the finished result of this harbor house. This successor to the old Port House employs 500 employees since 2016. The new building looks like the hull of a ship with the facets of a diamond at its surface. It’s a reference to Antwerp as a world port and diamond city but also a metaphor for the port of the 21st century having a rich past and being ready for the future. In March 2018, the Port House was awarded the annual prize of the MIPIM (Marché International des Professionnels de l'IMmobilier) in Cannes as "best refurbished building" (the best renovated building). In the bow of the ship-shaped diamond, with a view on the harbor, you can get an explanation about the activities of the port of Antwerp. In tribute to the architect, the square in front of the Port House is called Zaha Hadidplein. #visitflanders #architecture #wheninantwerp #architecturephotography #antwerpencity #instantwerpen #antwerp #visitantwerp #happynewyear #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes