A historic landmark reconnected with the city
Century Center
For decades, the Century Center has been a recognisable landmark on De Keyserlei, opposite Antwerp Central Station. The renovation gives this historic urban complex, which over the years has housed, among other things, a hotel, cinema, shopping gallery and offices, a new future. By reconnecting architecture, retail and workplaces with the public realm, the Century Center becomes a contemporary urban destination that respects its historic identity while being ready for the future.
Facts about the project
- Expertise:
- Architecture
- Baltisse NV
- Client
- Antwerp
- Location
- CONIX RDBM Belgium
- Partners
- architecture, repurposing
- Expertise
Photo © CONIX RDBM Belgium
Photo © CONIX RDBM BelgiumRestoring the relationship between building and city
The renovation starts from one clear ambition: to make the Century Center once again legible as a recognisable urban building and to restore its relationship with De Keyserlei.
By removing the existing canopy and reworking the glass façades of both the Century Center and the adjacent Londres building, both buildings regain their own identity along the street. Transparent plinths and separate entrances to the retail units create an inviting appearance and strengthen the interaction between the building and the public realm.
An open and lively plinth
The former closed shopping centre makes way for individual retail units with a direct relationship to the city.
On the first floor, a central patio becomes the building’s new meeting point. Escalators and a lift bring visitors to a bright, inviting interior space with several retail units and a hospitality venue with a terrace. Rooflights bring in abundant natural daylight and enhance the spatial quality of the whole.
Photo © CONIX RDBM Belgium
Photo © CONIX RDBM BelgiumMore light and quality for the workplace
The existing office floors are also being thoroughly upgraded. By merging the patios of the Century Center and the Londres building, natural daylight penetrates deeper into the building, creating a more pleasant working environment.
The renewed patio makes the character of the Century Center visible once again from the offices and creates a strong visual connection between the different functions within the building.
Architecture with respect for the existing
The renovation builds on the qualities of the original architecture and strengthens the existing composition.
The vertical articulation of the upper structure is continued into the plinth, creating a more harmonious façade. A new natural stone finish connects with the materiality of the existing building and gives the base a richer and more refined appearance. The renewed mansard roofs also contribute to a more compact and balanced architectural expression.
A new future for an Antwerp landmark
The renovation of the Century Center shows how a building with a rich history can once again play a meaningful role in contemporary urban life.
By combining respect for the existing building with a contemporary architectural vision, the project creates a vibrant destination where working, shopping and meeting strengthen one another. In this way, an iconic location on De Keyserlei regains the presence and urban dynamism it deserves.
