Cadixwijk Plein

A sequence of spaces perpendicular to the waterfront

Belgium has undergone a remarkable urban renaissance due to competitions organised by the  “Vlaamse Bouwmeester”. GROSS. MAX. was shortlisted for one of those, Cadixwijk Plein in the forner docklands of Antwerp. Our aim was to provide a key piece of public realm relevant to the waterfront location. The landscape proposal is a gesture that connects the waterfront to the heart of the neighbourhood. It consists of three different landscape typologies – the Waterfront, Square and Park – and can accommodate a variety of different functions and activities. The materiality of the landscape at the waterfront reflects the harbour location. The character of the space changes from hard to soft as it extends towards the residential district. The variety of materials used for the ground plane provides different opportunities for use.

The Waterfront.

The waterfront consists of a wooden boardwalk constructed from reclaimed or salvaged timbers. The boardwalk sits on the quayside and through a large flight of steps connects to the lower level of the river. The boardwalk and steps have a grand scale relevant to the expanse of the water and harbour front. Linear seating elements are built into the structure of the steps and provide informal seating. At the lower level a walkway allows for activities adjacent to the water. The intention is also to create a docking point for the floating swimming pool or alternatively a floating water garden could be located and the end of the boardwalk.    

The Square

The square is hard and urban in character and able to accommodate local events and activities for the residents. A polished black asphalt surface is proposed with metal inlays. The proportions of the square refer to cartography and the map projections that were used to navigate the seas and connect Antwerp to distant parts of the world for trade and exploration. A pavilion defines the edge of the space towards the waterfront. The pavilion is raised allowing the ground plane to continue uninterrupted to the quayside. The pavilion is proposed as a community building for the residents. It has an elevated deck that projects beyond the building line and acts as a belvedere giving commanding views across the water.

The Park

The park sits in the heart of the neighbourhood and is framed with trees. Large scale concrete paving bleeds into the grass surface at the western end of the park transforming the surface treatment from the hard to soft. A network of paths creates north south routes across the park area. The routes are lined with raised edges that form bench structures. A large open grass area at the centre of the park provides amenity space for recreation, sports, sunbathing etc. A small plaza area with steps along the eastern boundary connects the scheme with the adjacent buildings and art school.