Through the expansion of port activity, the Zuiderdokken played an important role in the development of the the south of the city in the late 19th century; however, a century later, port activity moved northwards, leaving the Zuiderdokken to be infilled. What now exists is a unique space in search of a new role.

It is our ambition to revitalise the Zuiderdokken through enagaging with its past and present to define a sustainable future.
 

The Zuiderdokken was historically a place of exchange (the trade of goods) - with the docks providing a connection between Antwerp and the world beyond. We similarly see the future of the Zuiderdokken as a place of exchange, however, it is now a place of cultural and social exchange - bringing all aspects of society together.

​

Drawing on the historic spatial structures of the Zuiderdokken, the proposal retains a clear, central open space as a trace of the docks, with more intense, active edges, reminiscent of the quaysides. The central open space has the monumental scale and ambition to accommodate events of international importance, while the edges are defined as informal linear parks which engage directly with the local community. Together, they provide the Zuiderdokken with a clear identity which matches the quality of any great space of any European city.