Courthouse

The courthouse is considered one of the most remarkable buildings of the 21st century in Belgium. To achieve this, a considerable investment of approximately 870 million euros was needed. The construction site is located relative to Bolivar Square, partly above the Amamtunnel. The most striking features are the pointed roofs that rise to a height of 34 meters, which are meant to remind us of the former sailing ships in the seaport. The building covers a spacious 78,000 m² with its 6 wings, each with 5 floors. There is also one underground floor. In the center of the 2nd floor is a transparent public space, the Salle-des-Pas-Perdus. Office temperature is controlled thanks to a combination of natural ventilation and night cooling, maximum use of natural light, and heat reduction due to glazed solar shading. The inner gardens are equipped with vegetation that provides cooling and air purification. The orientation of the building is related to the prevailing wind, which will drive the natural ventilation systems.

Dromos