International recognition for new shopping palace in Antwerp
Shopping centre Stadsfeestzaal in Antwerp, Belgium, has been selected as winner of the 2008 Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Awards for Excellence: Europe competition. The Awards for Excellence are widely recognized as the land use industry’s most prestigious recognition program. Stadsfeestzaal was developed by Multi Development Belgium and it opened in October 2007. The refurbishment of Antwerp’s 100-year-old landmark Stadsfeestzaal (festival hall), almost destroyed by fire in 2000, not only returns a cherished monument to the city center, but also connects two previously separated shopping districts with a new 20,500 mē center of retail activity.
The ULI’s Award for Excellence recognizes the full development process of the project, not just its architecture or design. The criteria for Stadsfeestzaal to achieve the award include leadership in the responsible use of land, contribution to the community, innovation, response to the surrounding environment; commercial success and strong urban design that contributes to a livable, sustainable development.
The project
Stadsfeestzaal is a historical monument situated between Hopland, with its wide range of luxurious shops, and Meir, Antwerp’s most popular shopping street. The imposing 19th century neoclassical building was devastated by a major fire in 2000. Multi Development has restored it to its former glory with particular attention for its historic details and its uniquely luxurious character. This unique building is now a new ‘shopping hot spot’ and also as the perfect meeting place in the city centre. Stadsfeestzaal comprises 20,500 mē of commercial space over four floors, and houses 40 national and international retailers. The project combines fashion, leisure and gastronomy in a unique mix of historic and modern architecture.
The concept for Stadsfeestzaal was supplied by Multi’s in-house design agency T+T Design in collaboration with the Danish architects Exners Tegnestue. The Belgian practice Ferre Verbaenen was brought in as executive architect. In order to preserve the historic character of Stadsfeestzaal, the services of historical architect Romain Berteloot were called in. Stadsfeestzaal is a joint investment by Multi and Bank of Ireland Private Banking.
ULI
The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 40,000 members representing all aspects of the land use and development disciplines. The 2008 Awards for Excellence: Europe winners were selected by a jury of renowned land use development and design experts. Jury Chair Andrea Amadesi announced the Awards for Excellence winners during ULI Europe’s spring trends conference May 29 in Stockholm "All of these projects represent innovative uses and best practices in sustainable development", Amadesi said.
The 2008 winners were selected from 24 entries from 11 countries, which were narrowed to 11 finalists which were narrowed to five winners. Projects were evaluated on the basis of financial viability, the resourceful use of land, design, relevance to contemporary issues, and sensitivity to the community and environment. Each contributes to a live-work-play environment and is designed to complement and enhance the greater community.
Stadsfeestzaal will be automatically nominated as finalist for the 2008 ULI Global Awards for Excellence Competition. The winners will be announced during the ULI fall meeting.