Rising Tides
Dry Docks Science Center of Water Quality and Biodiversity
︎Eilandje, Antwerp
Date of Completion: 01–14–2025
︎ School: TU Delft
︎ Class: Msc1 Studio Situating Architecture, Methods of Analysis and Imagination Chair
︎ Tutors: Aleksandar Staničić, Joris Lüchinger,Rocío Conesa Sánchez
︎ Showcased in: TU Delft Methods x EKA Tallin Exhibition
“Rising Tides” aims to create a resilient solution to the incoming future where water levels rise in port cities due to climate change. The project is located in Eilandje, Antwerp, where water quality is low and toxic. With the help of the nearby Pomphuis on the site, this science centre will study the water and investigate what possible native biodiversity could flourish if water quality is improved. The visitors of the center have a view of nature no matter where they are in the plan, whether it be climbing vines or rainwater falling down the glazed columns. Birds and other fauna may also perch on the concrete columns, appropriating the space for themselves as well. The design aims to work with nature to educate the people of Antwerp on the importance of biodiversity and provide them with the means to learn about and work with plants.
In the case of tides rising during the day from high to low, the access to the museum changes and the landscape must adapt to allow visitors to explore safely. Mounds, or hills, have been created at the perfect height to allow users to walk on top of them as the water rises. This is reminiscent of berming strategies used in Antwerp in centuries past. Between these hills, bridges are found, allowing people to look below and witness the nature for themselves. People can relax, picnic, and more on these green spaces. The goal is to create resilient strategies for water adaptation, not resistant ones. Work with the tides, not against them.
The architecture is meant to be swallowed by the green, being seamless with the landscape. The hard, strong concrete structure creates a stark contrast with the green. The cable net façade however, brings the two together, creating a porous membrane allowing light to flow in and out, and creating views to nature.
In the case of tides rising during the day from high to low, the access to the museum changes and the landscape must adapt to allow visitors to explore safely. Mounds, or hills, have been created at the perfect height to allow users to walk on top of them as the water rises. This is reminiscent of berming strategies used in Antwerp in centuries past. Between these hills, bridges are found, allowing people to look below and witness the nature for themselves. People can relax, picnic, and more on these green spaces. The goal is to create resilient strategies for water adaptation, not resistant ones. Work with the tides, not against them.
The architecture is meant to be swallowed by the green, being seamless with the landscape. The hard, strong concrete structure creates a stark contrast with the green. The cable net façade however, brings the two together, creating a porous membrane allowing light to flow in and out, and creating views to nature.
