GROUP A, archipelago and Tractebel selected for Premetro Antwerp

The multidisciplinary team consisting of GROUP A, archipelago and Tractebel has been selected by the Vlaamse Vervoermaatschappij – De Lijn, Antwerpen – for the studies for the Antwerp Premetro. These studies consist of bringing the unused metro tunnels under the Kerkstraat/Pothoekstraat into use and finishing the Stuivenberg and Willibrordus stations. And the finishing of the Drink and Morckhoven stations on the line under Turnhoutsebaan. The team’s main challenge is to translate the existing “hardware” from the 70s and 80s into the present. To create stations that are inviting, recognisable and socially safe, with an allure that fits in with the unique character of the city of Antwerp.

Respect for the past, anchored in the present
The design for the four Premetro stations is a design with respect for the past and the context, but with a strong basis in the present and with allowance for the developments of the next 30 years. This requires a sensitive and holistic approach that accommodates the needs of mobility and provides a focus for the passenger experience. The team sees it as its mission to create stations that are inviting, recognisable and socially safe: comfortable urban interiors with plenty of transparency and overview. Stations that are seamlessly embedded in the existing pre-metro network, that are future-proof and where no concessions are made to the maintenance and cleaning aspects. To achieve this, the team wants the concepts of “community”, “identity”, “placemaking”, “well-being” and “circularity” to underpin the project. In order to be innovative and develop a well-functioning metro line integrated into the city, which can symbolise both socially and technically the mobility of the future.

For the lighting design, the team will cooperate with Beersnielsen, known for the lighting design for the Metro Oostlijn in Amsterdam.