Architect: Kaan Architecten i.c.w. Bureau Bouwtechniek
Client: Department of Culture, Youth, Sport and Media, Infrastructure Department, Cultural Infrastructure Fund (FoCI)
Surface: 26.500 m²
Timing: 2004 - 2020
Status: Executed
Photographer: Sarah Blee
Advisors: Royal Haskoning DHV (techniques, stability), Architectenbureau Fritz (restoration)
To adapt, restore and upgrade the listed museum building of the late 19th century, located in the centre of a 19th century city quarter 'Het Zuid' into a museum building that meets the contemporary needs of museum management.
Phase 1 (completed in 2014)
Phase 2 (completed in 2020)
After winning an international competition in 2003 commissioned by the Flemish Government, Dutch architecture office KAAN Architecten in collaboration with Bureau Bouwtechniek has worked intensively on the complex masterplan, renovation and extension of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp (Belgium), bringing contemporary allure to a glorious, overlooked beauty of the 19th century.
The major challenge in this project was to incorporate a new contemporary museum without losing the 19th-century concept. The extension, the so-called vertical museum, was slid into the building's old patios. A successful fusion of two completely different museum worlds, giving the museum a modest yet spectacular new impetus.
As executive architects, we help the designing architects with all technical and financial issues, so that they can fully focus on the design. We also monitor the implementation and ensure that the objectives and plan are always crystal clear for all partners, so that together we can make our dreams come true.
198 triangular symmetrical skylights were installed on the roof of the museum, reflecting the northern light along the white walls down to the ground floor, providing daylight to the entire new building.
In 2018, it was decided to include renovation of the façade and offices, as well as landscaping, in the master plan.
We are EPB reporter of the entire project and were appointed by the client as safety coordinator of both the renovation and new construction and all sub-projects, including the scenography and gold decoration.
From Team Architecture (public sector Flanders) (3)
From Team Sustainability, Energy & Comfort (1)
