MARJAN SARAB ARCHITECTURE

Oosterweel connection Antwerp

Oosterweel connection

Antwerp, Belgium

2015

 

The Oosterweelverbinding is an important part of the Master Plan in 2020, which includes new roads, extra tram lines, cycle paths and other mobility initiatives for the Antwerp region. Zwarts & Jansma Architects(ZJA) commissioned by the THV Rotstodesign Oosterweelverbinding right bank in order to improve mobility in Antwerp. The preparatory works are:

 

1. bicycle bridge Ijzerlaan
2. Pumping Station (consort) Apparent
3. bicycle bridge Schijnpoortweg
4. Oosterweelverbinding right bank

 

The project Oosterweelverbinding right bank ensures the closure of the ring road around Antwerp. A new Antwerp ring, which is being built largely below ground level, offers opportunities to re-develop the surrounding area and to restore both sides relationships between the districts and reshape.

The mission of ZJA covers the design of the infrastructure itself, the design of the highway, the design of the structures and noise barriers and good urban integration.

 

Main themes are creating a quiet road layout and facilitating a good orientation for road users. An outspoken design and recognizable architectural language is important.

 

The Oosterweelverbinding Right Bank is a complex infrastructure, with much interweaving traffic. The project consists of the junction Antwerp route north to Antwerp East and the new connection in the port area to the Oosterweel Knot, where the connection to the new Scheldt tunnel will be realized.

This route happens a lot in a relatively short distance. The interchanges, slip roads and complexes zones for the tunnels lie practically adjacent. This requires solutions whereby traffic can be easily and safely handled and where a good orientation and readable road layout is important. With the sunken location of the Ring and the interchanges and tunnels close together, threatened the motorist to lose orientation rapidly.

 

A good architectural design takes advantage of a clear and calm picture. Integral design makes the various elements flow into one another and takes the distracting elements out of the picture. In principle patterns was chosen for dark walls in the recessed open parts of the route, which merges into white walls in the tunnels. The upper edges of the walls constitute the carriers for punch structures, and lighting systems and have been worked out in white concrete, so that a beautiful contrast is created with the dark walls. They flow into the tunnel mouths and edges of the roofs.