POLO Architects, Archipelago Architects and Vogt Landscape architects collaborated on the winning design for a green parking tower near Antwerpsepoort and an apartment building at the tip of Rode-Kruisplein in the city of Mechelen.

green multifunctional parking tower

The parking building contains 537 parking spaces for cars and 110 spaces for bicycles. This facility is meant to replace the existing parking spaces on Rode-Kruisplein and the Carrefour site. The virtually zero energy building is a vital link in the promotion of sustainable mobility and a sustainable and liveable city. This building is much more than a traditional 'park-and-ride facility': through a symbiosis with its surroundings it becomes a mobility hub.

The first two building layers are used for offices and a shop. The building will boast a green rooftop garden as well as an open-air event space on a lower floor featuring a view on the historic centre. It was designed from a sustainable perspective, making it flexible, polyvalent and customisable in case the need should arise to give certain building layers a new function. This way, the project anticipates future developments in mobility.

Furthermore, the building embodies the essence of a landmark in every aspect: it represents an icon for the city of Mechelen as a whole. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2019.

newly built apartments on the square with plenty of light and a view on the 'Ouwen Dok' building

In the summer of 2021, when the parking tower is completed, preparations will start for the construction of 54 apartments on Rode-Kruisplein. The POLO Architects design is characterised by a sober appearance showing humility in front of the 'Ouwen Dok' hotel's monumental character.

It comprises a four-storey square building erected around a patio. The closed building block is partially open on one side - facing the 'Ouwen Dok' building - allowing plenty of light into the inner area. This way, all apartments have a direct or oblique view on the historic building, adding character to the quality of life. The sunken part at the back of the building block offers space for neighbourhood shops, restaurants and bars. A subterranean car park facility contains 88 parking spaces for residents and 'Ouwen Dok' hotel guests.

read more about the Mobility Hub project
read more about the Rode-Kruisplein project

Kairos & Montreal