In a bold move that has sparked heated debates, plans to drastically renovate Antwerp's historic Boerentoren, an iconic tower in the centre of the city that opened in 1932, continue to cause high-profile tensions.
Now a year since the top executive of Katoen Natie (the company that owns the building) Fernand Huts unveiled the plan, the proposal has received staunch opposition from the Flemish Government Architects and architectural historian Francis Strauven, among others.
Led by the renowned American architect Daniel Libeskind, the plan envisions a modern transformation, including a glass diamond-shaped construction crowning the tower.
But a recent opinion piece published in De Standaard features signatures from all Flemish Government Architects, including current Government Architect Erik Wieërs and his four predecessors. They argue that the Boerentoren, a landmark with deep historical roots, should not be subjected to a contemporary overhaul.
The Antwerp skyline with the proposed design for the Boerentoren. Credit: ION/Facebook
Strauven told the newspaper, "The Boerentoren is a static icon that refers to its surroundings. There's no need to pour a contemporary sauce over that." Meanwhile, Wieërs criticises Huts for disregarding the advice of Christian Rapp, Antwerp’s Bouwmeester and the city official in charge of public space, urban planning and architecture.
"Fernand Huts had a number of architects make a proposal and chose someone. In my opinion, someone has been chosen who will work with the tower in the most extreme way. The Bouwmeester's advice was never followed," Wieërs wrote.
The official signing ceremony for the new architectural concept for the Boerentoren, in Antwerp, Friday 25 November 2022. Fernand Huts centre. Credit: Belga / Jonas Roosens
Despite being a private initiative, the Boerentoren renovation project receives government subsidies, prompting Wieërs to assert in De Standaard, "It is a heritage project that the Flemish government subsidises. In that sense, we are involved and concerned as a community, and it is relevant that we say something about it."
The conflict extends beyond architects and government officials, reaching citizens and cultural figures in Antwerp. Some appreciate the innovative design, acknowledging the evolving nature of heritage. Others, however, fear the loss of historical identity.
City councillor for Urban Development Annick De Ridder told the newspaper that she remains cautious, emphasising the need for a thorough assessment by various public services. City councillor Niel Staes said that he advocates for citizen involvement in the decision-making process, drawing parallels to previous urban debates.
As the controversy unfolds, the fate of the Boerentoren hangs in the balance, with citizens, architects, and officials grappling with the delicate balance between preserving history and embracing the future.
