The impressive Port House in Antwerp, Belgium was named “Best Refurbished Building” at the 2018 MIPIM Awards. The building, whose construction started 8 years ago, is the head office of the Antwerp Port Authority. It symbolizes “the dynamic, reliable, ambitious and innovative nature of the Port of Antwerp,” according to the Port’s website.
Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, the building repurposes, renovates and extends the old fire station. The expansion has a glass-covered façade which shimmers like waves and reflects the complex interaction of shades and colors in the air. According to the building’s conceptors, this is a reference to the exceptional location surrounded by water. The perception of cut glass giving the new building a sparkling appearance refers to Antwerp, the diamond city.
The entire Port House, with its eye-catching and extremely modern glass superstructure, is a metaphor for the 21st century port—a port that is ready for the future. Inside, the building has also been conceived to enhance collaboration, movement and transparency with people working in the same open space and contemporary working conditions where employees can solve problems together and create new ideas.
Established in 1991, the MIPIM Awards are presented at the world’s leading conference of property and real estate, recognizing the most outstanding and accomplished projects across the globe.
