Youth Hostel Antwerp, Belgium 2011

摘要

Historically the site was a part of an enclosed urban block. Following periods of dilapidation, the site was vacant for decades and existed as a blank canvas in the historical heart of Antwerp in a neighborhood embraced as a place to meet and socialize. An urban square is an element which perfectly characterizes its surroundings and determines its aesthetical quality and expression. Remarkably, most squares in Antwerp are flanked by buildings of a semi-public nature, such as churches, museums and hospitals. Therefore it was logical for the city of Antwerp to develop the site as a new take on this principle, dedicating a large part for a new youth hostel. The building was situated so that it would enclose the block while recreating the urban square. The urban block is once again complete and the homogeneous urban fabric has been mended.