GROUP A | Finishing Antwerp Premetro stations
It concerns a study into the commissioning of the unused tunnel under the Kerkstraat and the Pothoekstraat with the stations Stuivenberg and Willibrordus and the completion and completion of the stations Drink and Morckhoven on the line under the Turnhoutse and Herentalsebaan. The design team sees it as an important challenge to translate the existing ‘concrete hardware’ from the 1970s and 1980s into the present. The aim is to realize stations that are ambitious, recognizable and socially safe, with an appearance that does justice to the unique character of the city of Antwerp.
Characteristic concrete pipe roof
Much attention was paid to the ‘tube roof’ in the preliminary design. This construction method is characteristic of the Antwerp pre-metro stations. By making these elements of the structural work visible and illuminating it, the identity of the stations and the sense of space are strengthened.
Material use
New, polished and new materials are added to the rough constructions, in order to enhance the contrast between old and new. The materials used include ceramic tiling, glazed wall elements, copper railings and a lot of glass. The floor is kept clear and ’empty’ by storing furnishing elements such as signage, information and technology in the walls.
Location specific entrances
Depending on the circumstances and the specific requirements of the environment, it presents itself in an appropriate way in the city. The orientation is increased by the incidence of daylight in the stations. In a number of places, apartment buildings can be built above the entrances.
Recognizability
Art and special features on the different levels of the stations provide a station-unique appearance. The glazed wall elements on the deeper platforms vary in color and design and contribute to the identity of each station. The art in the ticket halls enters into a dialogue with the environment, which is surprisingly different from station to station.