Architect: SimpsonHaugh and Partners (GB)
Client: KMDA
Advisors: M&R Engineering (techniques building), ABT België (stability), AECOM (fire safety), Charcoalblue (theater techniques), Light and Design Associates (light), Origin (restauration), Kirkegaard Associates (acoustics theater), Daidalos (acoustics congress)
Location: Antwerp
Surface: 25.000 m²
Timing: 2010 – 2016
Budget: € 58.500.000
Status: realized
© pictures opening Jonas Verhulst
© Sarah Blee - Jonas Verhulst
© renders:
ISA in collaboration with ABT
Project Support I Collaboration
50 years ago, the Queen Elisabeth Hall was built to replace the Antwerp Zoo Hall. In 2013, the zoo got a new hall complex that meets the needs of today's users.
Hall
The new Elisabeth Center Antwerp will mainly be used for concerts and aspires to be
the best symphonic hall of Belgium. A hall with superior acoustics, comparable
to the best concert halls in the world.
The concert hall will also be the home of the Royal Flemish
Philharmonic, one of the major symphony orchestras of Flanders.
Congress center
The new concert hall will be embedded in a modern conference center with
several multipurpose rooms. The historic halls – the Marble Hall, Darwin Hall
and Verlat Hall – remain largely untouched.
The Loos Hall
The building's main
entrance will have direct access from Queen Astrid Square and will function as the foyer of the Queen Elisabeth Hall and a space
for exhibitions and receptions. The Loos Hall connects the new complex via the
existing historic halls.
BIM
For the new Queen Elisabeth Center, Bureau Bouwtechniek designed the BIM model in collaboration with ABT. ABT modeled the stability aspect model, while Bureau Bouwtechniek modeled the architecture aspect model and was responsible for coordination and integration between the different models.
- A major challenge in this BIM model was the careful modeling and detailing of the design of the new concert hall, which had to meet very stringent acoustic demands. A BIM methodology was developed to accurately shape the different curved wall panels and balustrades.
- The BIM model also showed its value in the study of the Center's connection with the surrounding building. A crucial issue, as the building plot was almost fully enclosed.
- Also, the shape and makeability of the outer shell of the concert hall was further developed with the BIM model.
Bureau Bouwtechniek is responsible for the complete construction-technical support of architect firm SimpsonHaugh and Partners from the tendering phase. BB is responsible for technical assistance during the design process, the layout of the implementation plans, the development of technical details, the blueprint of constructional specifications and estimates. BB ensures cost control throughout all the stages, until completion. BB is project architect throughout the construction phase.
Team BB: ir. arch. Joris Minnen, arch. Raf De Preter, arch. Kathleen Rens, ir. arch. Sebastiaan Schelfaut, ir. arch. Paulus Present, ir. arch. Toon Kalhöfer, arch. Mark Sette, ir. arch. Yoshi Craeye, Glenn Verdyck, ing. Julie Huybrighs, ir. arch. Jolien Van Bever, ir. arch. Gert Biebauw