The design concerned the transformation of the former Petroleum Zuid area in Antwerp, renamed in 2011 ‘Blue Gate’ so as to emphasize the eco-effective, international and future-oriented character of the site.
Its location is right next to the city of Antwerp and a large portion of the ‘Blue Gate’ extends along the Scheldt River. Since 1950 the Petroleum Zuid area has not been longer in use and numerous proposals have been made for its reuse. In 2011, the ‘Strategic Master Plan’ for the area was approved; it envisions a ‘sustainable industrial park’ that will provide location for green companies.
The design focused on the quay area of the Blue gate, were most of the old industrial buildings are located and which is also exposed to water floods.