Plans Revealed for Belgium Tower Transformation

Architect Daniel Libeskind has revealed plans to transform the Boerentoren tower, located in the center of Antwerp, Belgium, into a new public cultural center, Arch Daily reports. The Art Deco tower will be extended to house exhibition spaces, a panoramic viewing platform, a rooftop sculpture garden and new restaurants and bars. According to the architect, the original features of the historical building will be preserved, while its landmark status will be enhanced. If the plans are approved by the Flemish master builder, heritage and urban planning authorities, and the fire service, the building is due to open in 2028. Images of the proposal reveal an angular glazed structure located at the rear elevation of the existing building, with large amounts of greenery visible from the outside. A glazed volume is also planned to sit over the top of the tower, with a smaller component beneath it attached to the side of the Art Deco building. While the height of the tower is not yet disclosed, the designers mention that it will not exceed the height of the cathedral, a sensitive issue for the city. The Boerentoren was built between 1929 and 1932 and designed by Jan Van Hoenacker. It is the first skyscraper on the European continent.