A green edge along the docks | Antwerp, Belgium | OMGEVING

A green edge along the docks - aerial view of path through park
A green edge along the docks - view to docks in belgium

The Hospital Network Antwerp (ZNA) is building a new hospital on the plot between Kempenstraat and Noorderlaan. ZNA Cadix will be a fully-fledged hospital flanked by two new residential towers. With the arrival of the north line and its bicycle connection, this zone will be a busy area of passage on the verge of city and port. Between the new hospital and the docks, Antwerp created a high-quality public space with abundant greenery, bicycle connections, a new tram stop and entrances for visitors and emergency services.

A green edge along the docks - aerial view of a path through perennials planting
A green edge along the docks - aerial view of a path through perennials planting
A green edge along the docks - aerial view of a path through perennials planting

The building process of the public space started in early 2021 and was completed in June 2022.

A green design

The new public space between the docks and ZNA connects Park Spoor Noord with Eilandje. The planting and materials that are used match the aesthetics of these adjacent public spaces.

A green edge along the docks - cobbles  in grass under a tree

The green space between the new bicycle and pedestrian connection under the Hardenvoort viaduct follows the design principles of Spoor Noord with wadis, extensive wildflowers and a similar choice of trees. Centrally, in front of the hospital, the planting becomes a particularity in the form of a 5000 m² perennial garden (partly on top of underground parking). A wide path winds through the garden’s centre, complemented by a network of narrow paths for wandering through it. It provides a serene area for contemplation before or after a hospital visit. 

A green edge along the docks - path through perennial planting
A green edge along the docks - path through perennial planting

In total, nearly 38,000 perennials and 37,000 flower bulbs were planted. The perennial garden is partially located above the underground car park and the ER. The green roof is a buffer for rainwater falling on the underground building level. The excess rainwater thus collected is directed to six underground concrete wells, which can buffer up to 100 m³ of water. From these wells, the green roof will be irrigated during dry spells.

A green edge along the docks - perennial planting
A green edge along the docks -  perennial planting
A green edge along the docks - path through new planting

The combination of perennials and wildflowers ensures high biodiversity and generates, therefore a strong link in the green structure of Park Spoor Noord and Eilandje. The existing plane trees along the dock were given new growth opportunities through soil improvement with large tree beds and a wide permeable pavement of recuperated cobblestones with grass joints. From the long sitting edge, passers-by can enjoy the view of the Kempisch Dok.

A green edge along the docks - bike path with trees and seat wall

At ground level right, in front of the entrance to the ZNA, the new tram and bus stop ‘ZNA Cadix’ is located. Tram line 1 and all buses of the series 600 and 700 will make a halt here. This will put the ZNA at the centre of the public transport network. Tram line 1 connects the entire city, from ‘P&R Luchtbal’ to ‘Zuid terminus’, including the pre-metro station ‘Opera’, where it can change to various other lines.

A green edge along the docks - concrete seat wall next to perennial planting

For cyclists, a two-way bike path in Kempenstraat and a new bike tunnel under the Hardenvoort viaduct were created. The bike tunnel is a practical, new connection to Park Spoor Noord, the campus of the AP University of Applied Sciences and the hospital. It provides a convenient shortcut that avoids crossing some busy intersections.

A green edge along the docks - bike path next to tram stop in belgium

To establish an accessible public space between ZNA and the docks, car traffic to the new hospital site was brought underground wherever possible. From Noorderlaan, visitors are directed towards the underground car park via the first entrance. The ER is also located at level -1 and can be reached directly via the second entrance.

A green edge along the docks - concept landscape plan

A green edge along the docks

Landscape Architect: OMGEVING

Plan Image: OMGEVING

Photography: ©LUCID

About Damian Holmes 3401 Articles
Damian Holmes is the Founder and Editor of World Landscape Architecture (WLA). He is a registered landscape architect (AILA) working in international design practice in Australia. Damian founded WLA in 2007 to provide a website for landscape architects written by landscape architects. Connect on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/damianholmes/