The seniors’ campus is one of the largest projects in Regatta, a current development on Antwerp’s Left Bank. Through small-scale housing additions, this master plan attempts to redefine an area (in)famous for its large spaces and modernist design. However, the size of the programme for the campus refers more to the initial modernist development than to a small-scale one.

This negotiation converges toward an architecture that is both generous and assertive, with the building functioning as an efficient yet flexible structure. As an urban machine, it addresses the context in multiple ways. Towards the boulevard, the building is long and low, with large façade openings overlooking the park. Towards the neighbourhood, the three towers of apartments and service flats are set back on top of an underground car park, freeing up a strip of gardens that acts as a transitional space between the campus and the surrounding environment.

• Location

  Antwerp, Belgium

• Client

  Vooruitzicht Antwerpen

• Construction

  2014 - 2016

• 51N4E project team

  Johan Anrys, Jan Opdekamp, Paul Steinbrück, Jan Haerens, Marta Petrov, Charlotte Schmidt, Andri Haflidason

• 51N4E involvement

  Full Process

• Structural engineer

  Arcade

• Technical engineer

  Arcade

• Acoustical engineer

  Scala

• Construction costs

  17.000.000 €

• Programme

  Elderly home, service apartments, public amenities, Cafeteria, care services, commercial spaces

• Built surface

  14.700 m²

• Image credits

  51N4E