The Boerentoren defines the city skyline and is in the collective memory of the urbanite. Design Sciences Hub investigated how the Boerentoren could be transformed into an urban health tower, a driver in an ecosystem that is developing around health. Based on the findings that the tower is in the middle of urbanity, was ahead of its time in terms of construction technology, and can look back on more than 90 years of history, Design Sciences Hub offers 3 innovation themes to help shape this future.
A first theme considers the 'building in the city (and the city in the building)' from a typologicalpoint of view. Which relationships can be established, and which programmes can be developed? A second theme puts the building in a future perspective from the point of view of architectural expertise. Which principles of 'building life cycle' form the standard and can be applied? A third theme describes the 'culturally valuable building' from a heritage perspective. What was involved in the past, and what does this mean for the future? For each theme an expert gives his view on the tower and provides scientific insights and approaches.
Questions and contact: Sven Verbruggen
Interdisciplinary team
For the Boerentoren project, the Design Sciences Hub intensively collaborated with UAntwerpen-experts from the fields of critical heritage studies, energy and materials in buildings, and architecture.
