Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026

Rubens Square

Rubens Square is a triangular square with a large opening towards the sea. Two long benches oriented parallel to the water are bordered by a wall of tempered glass which acts as protection from the wind. It is a particularly social place where elderly people often watch children play. The square’s tiles have a mosaic-like pattern with maritime tones that refer to the nearby sea. Blues, grey-greens and whites are interwoven like an abstract pointillist painting. Only the white tiles are strictly arranged diagonally.

photo_credit Filip Dujardin
Filip Dujardin
photo_credit Filip Dujardin
Filip Dujardin

A difference in height of 1.2 meters makes the square slightly concave as if it were a stone wave washing up against the dike. Sculptures by Franz West are placed along two sides. The two five-meter high heads face each other, forming a playful and somewhat grotesque counterpoint to the square itself. The heads stimulate the imagination of passersby while also marking the entrance buildings to the car park under the square. They encourage musings and conversations, with the figures themselves being regarded almost as orators.

photo_credit Robbrecht en Daem architecten
Robbrecht en Daem architecten
photo_credit Robbrecht en Daem architecten
Robbrecht en Daem architecten

Project credits

Execution Architect (underground car parking)
Structural Engineering
Services Engineering
Technical Supervision

Project data

Project Year
2003
Building Area
7300 m2
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