ZAS Cadix – a new urban hospital with character
ZAS Cadix
In the heart of Antwerp’s historic harbour district, ZAS Cadix has risen: a modern hospital that stands out for its unique location, vertical structure, and accessible public areas. The design deliberately opts for a more playful appearance, breaking away from traditional hospital architecture.
Facts about the project
- ZAS
- Client
- Antwerpen, België
- Location
- 65.000 m²
- Size
- Filip Dujardin
- Photography
A hospital as part of the city
ZAS Cadix is more than a healthcare facility; it is a vibrant part of the city. The ground floor serves as a public boulevard with shops and dining options, while the third-floor restaurant with a spacious rooftop terrace welcomes visitors from the city. This open approach reflects the vision that care and vulnerability are part of everyday life and should not be hidden away.
Smart underground logistics
To keep the ground level and surrounding area car-free and pleasant, all motorised traffic has been moved underground. Ambulances, suppliers, and visitors each have their own dedicated logistics route and lift system, ensuring smooth traffic flow even during peak times.
A vertical healthcare campus
Due to limited building space, a vertical layout was chosen. This compact design not only creates a striking city landmark but also speeds up internal healthcare processes. Emergency services, operating theatres, and intensive care units are directly connected, enabling patients to be transported five floors up in less than 15 seconds via specially designated lifts.
Colours inspired by the surroundings
The façades are clad with glossy ceramic panels in blue and green hues. The blue refers to the sky, the docks, and the River Scheldt; the green to the nearby park. These colours return in the interior, which invites exploration with warm light, intimate seating areas, and indoor terraces. A central patio allows daylight to penetrate deep into the building, reaching even the ground floor.
