Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind's studio has designed a contemporary extension to the iconic Boerentoren tower in Antwerp, Belgium, which was once Europe's tallest high-rise.
Studio Libeskind plans to introduce cultural facilities and a rooftop viewpoint to the iconic, 90-year-old high-rise, designed in the art deco style by Belgian architect Jan Van Hoenacker.
The proposal is being developed with local architecture studio ELD and was the winning entry in a design competition held by its current owner, the port operator Katoen Natie.
Tower will become "public space for art"
Katoen Natie's goal is to transform the building, which was one of Europe's very first tall buildings and was the tallest high-rise in the continent when it completed, into a cultural institution for the public while preserving its architectural heritage. "In its day the Boerentoren was an unprecedented art deco design, just like the Empire State Building in New York, where I live," said Libeskind following the announcement, reported Flemish broadcaster VRT.
"It was a private building with flats and offices. Today we are transforming the entire complex into a public space for art."
Studio Libeskind has designed an extension for the Boerentoren tower in Antwerp
Restoration work on the Boerentoren has already begun, with its interiors gutted due to the presence of asbestos. However, works on Studio Libeskind's design are still yet to be approved by authorities, so ...