Mobility hub in the heart of Antwerp
An attractive extension of Groenplaats
Mobility hub in the heart of Antwerp
Groenplaats in Antwerp is getting a thorough makeover. Commissioned by the City of Antwerp, management structure and water-link, engineers and architects from Witteveen+Bos, in collaboration with CROSS Architecture, have designed a transformation of Groenplaats with an underground spatial mobility hub and a green square above ground. It reinforces the historical character of the place and creates a lively and pleasant meeting place for residents and visitors.
Green square full of trees of the future
Thanks to a green square of mature trees, Groenplaats will once again live up to its name. The urban greenery prevents heat stress and, together with the underground tree bunkers and water buffer, will result in a future-proof and climate-adaptive square.
Short walking distances, long sightlines
The design provides for the underground renovation of the pre-metro station and the parking garage and a new bicycle parking facility for more than 400 bicycles. The new entrance hall is designed as a clear, light space with short walking distances, long sightlines, transparency and flowing accompanying walls.
A newly positioned central staircase connects the entrance hall to Groenplaats and offers a direct view of the cathedral. The linear open configuration of the bicycle parking facility creates a feeling of space, clarity and a high degree of psychological safety. This is also thanks to the architectural light wall and walls that are kept free of bicycle racks.
Mobility hub: a high-quality space
The new mobility hub is a high-quality space that connects the square, premetro, car park, bicycle parking facility and shopping centre in a spacious and efficient manner. The new underground space thus becomes an attractive extension of the greened Groenplaats.
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