Or so proclaims everything I found when I tried researching the new Courthouse, situated at Simon Bolivarplaats on the edge of Antwerp city centre. Straddling a major motorway interchange leading into the city, the new law courts have been conceived as a symbolic gateway to the city.
The court house was officially opened on March 28, 2006 by Belgium's King Albert II and makes a rather stunning addition to the cityscape. We caught the No 8 tram to the end of the line, then strolled up Emiel Banningstraat, taking photographs as we wandered.It's a wee bit of a postmodern feast for the eyes ... and being a 21st century creation, it's also environmentally friendly. Natural light is used to optimum effect, rainwater is recycled, and low velocity ventilation is used in the hearing rooms ... all made totally believable when you see the paraboloid roof.
But I don't do it justice here ... if you're curious to know more, follow this link to a rather superb Guardian newspaper article.
No comments:
Post a Comment