Program: Phase 1: a. Administration Building + Mechanical Building b. Drivers’ Dispatch Building c. High Tension Cabins (main station + 3 substations) Phase 2: Workshop (in use: 01 – 2007) Phase 3: Gate Complex (in use: 04 – 2008) Phase 4: Operations Building + sight seeing tower (in process)
Floor Area: a. Administration Building 3216 m2 Mechanical Building 128 m2 b. Drivers’ Dispatch Building 610 m2
Parking Capacity: a. Administration Building ca 160 cars staff and visitors and ca 160 trucks b. Drivers’ Dispatch Building ca 110 cars staff and visitors and ca 40 straddle carriers
Site Area: 780,000m2 (in the future: 1,250,000m2) Quay Length Dock: 1650m (in the future 2,600m)
The Antwerp Gateway terminal at the Deurganck Dock is a tidal container terminal. This completely new dock, 2600m long, up to 450m wide and 16m deep, situated on the left bank of the river Scheldt, was officially opened on July 6th of 2005 in the presence of HM Albert II.
The design of the container terminal buildings concerns one overall concept captured in a cohesive architectural framework that takes into account the users as well as surroundings, structures and landscape within and beyond the concession.
Given the terminal’s strict security requirements, its grounds can be accessed only via controlled access zones. Administration Building and Drivers’ Dispatch Building serve as a gateway between public and private areas and a safe bridge crossing busy internal container transport arteries. The buildings are clearly identifiable landmarks among the containers and terminal traffic.
The building’s design is functional while creating a pleasant working environment that does not distinguish between office staff, dock workers, drivers and visitors. This is the result of spatial qualities, well considered views, circulation zones and meeting areas encouraging contacts. The buildings afford views of the terminal and its activities, of the port and of the surrounding landscape.
Standing out with their sober volumes and uniform materials (red brick and galvanized steel) the buildings form, both literally and figuratively, a beacon of serenity in the hubbub of constantly moving trucks and straddle carriers. The building materials used fit the port’s industrial character. Robust materials such as brick, concrete and steel inside and outside, which require minimum maintenance and are vandalism proof.
As they enjoy the broadest view of the terminals, the buildings’ south facades have sunscreen louvers.
Each building is made up of two distinct sections: one comprised of galvanized steel elements, the other of a massive brickwork element (combined with concrete). The choice of structures is the direct consequence of each building’s program and function. The volumes of the Drivers’ Dispatch Building are juxtaposed, maintaining a mutual balance.
