The Loodswezen site is one of the seven sub-areas that are part of the Scheldekaaien masterplan in Antwerp. At this unique waterfront location, boats used to be pulled into the city through three inner harbors. The historical traces are still visible today and serve as the basis for the new landscape design. Therefore, we aim to connect the city with the Schelde at this specific location. If everything goes as planned, the works will start in early 2024.

The elevated water barrier blends into three intimate climate-resilient gardens, alongside which six memorial walls will be put up on the former waterways. Together, they form a commemorative monument built from more than 25,000 stones, each bearing the names of Antwerp's World War II war victims. The design not only connects the city center to the Schelde but also links the city's history to the memory of its residents.

Integration of the water barrier and memorial monument in the public space

The raising of the Scheldekaaien brings up the question of how the city center can maintain its connection with the water across this high retaining wall. The goal is to integrate the water barrier as seamlessly as possible into the landscape. The design, therefore, incorporates the elevated retaining wall into three major park connections, tracing the former waterways, to optimally connect the city center with the quayside: an enclosed garden at the Loodswezen, a spacious Scheldetrap (Scheldt Staircase) as an amphitheater, and a generous lawn with a view of the water.

Where fixed structures cannot accommodate the water barrier, we will install mobile retaining walls. This way, the waterways become the basis for the future city, protecting it against rising water while freeing up space for more greenery and recreation with a view of the Schelde.

On the location of the former waterways, six memorial walls will be set up. These walls serve as identity carriers, enhancing the spatial relationship between the city and the Schelde and symbolically commemorating the victims from Antwerp during World War II. The 25,000 memorial stones used in the walls will bear the names of the deceased war victims, making the memorial monument an integral part of the public space.

The design also has a pronounced and clear climate ambition. Thus, cooling areas are designed and much attention is paid to planting choices.


AG Vespa

Maximization of climate ambition

HThe design also has a clear and pronounced climate ambition. The entire park landscape, divided into three intimate gardens, contributes to the tranquility and serenity required by the memorial monument. However, the urban space is designed to create room for relaxation, offering a high-quality, green public domain close to the city center.
Moreover, cooling areas will be designed, and careful attention is given to the choice of vegetation. The plant species are tailored to the characteristics of each location (local growth conditions, available root space, site conditions, sun exposure, and moisture levels), resulting in varying vegetation across different zones. The design also emphasizes intelligent water management, such as creating wadis (water collection areas) in the garden waterways, featuring water-loving plants.

The chosen design team

The design team, led by Bureau Bas Smets, convinced the City of Antwerp, AG Vespa, and De Vlaamse Waterweg with an integrated landscape design that respects the site's historical value. Antea Group is responsible for the design of the water barrier and has optimized the landscape design in line with ambitious climate goals using design-oriented toolsets for climate adaptation. For this project, we applied advanced microclimate and heat stress modeling, setting new standards for the entire team.

In addition to Bureau Bas Smets and Antea Group, the design team includes Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, Atelier Ruimtelijk Advies, Steenmeijer Architecten, UTIL, Endeavour, and Plant en Houtgoed.

Images © Bureau Bas Smets