Cogels-Osylei, Antwerp

Feb 27, 2019

Cogels-Osylei

The Cogels-Osylei in Antwerp’s Zurenborg district features residences in the Art Nouveau style.

antwerp, cogels osylei, zurenborg, quinten matsys

antwerp-cogels osylei-view from side street

Cogels Osylei - Antwerp, nrs 42,44, 46, 48

About Cogels-Osylei

The Cogels Osylei is one of the most remarkable and beautiful streets in Antwerp. The street was developed in the late 19th Century when an eastern extension was built for Berchem and Antwerp. The street counts almost 100 houses, a highly eclectic architectural ensemble. Houses with art nouveau elements stand next to houses with revival design elements such as neo-roman, neo-greek, or neo-gothic.

The houses, built between 1894 and 1908, were designed by various architects, contracted by either the construction company or the person who had himself a house built. Architects active in the area at that time include Joseph Bascourt, Jules Hofman, T. Van den Bossche, Jacques de Weerdt, and Frans Smet-Verhas

All houses are listed monuments and the street is a protected urban landscape. Only two houses have been demolished and replaced by three newer properties.

The well known house De Zonnebloem (The Sunflower) was constructed in 1900. Designed by Architect Jules Hofman, who also designed De Roos, attached some floral art nouveau style elements. Nr 52, De Tulp (The Tulip) was built as atelier by artist Eugene Joors. Archtect Jules Hofman combined floral art nouveau elements with cottage style elements in the design. The theme and name of the house refers to the preference Joors had for floral paintings. Nr 54, Het Klaverblad (Cloverleaf) was designed by Architect Daniel Rosseels in a pronounced neo Flemish-Renaissance style.

Groen Kwartier, Antwerp

Feb 27, 2019

Groen Kwartier

Antwerp’s centrally located Groen Kwartier combines historic and contemporary elements. A former hospital with chapel has been developed to create a modern urban district with a nod to the past including an old city gate.

antwerp - groen kwartier - new single family homes

antwerp - groen kwartier - main walk and bikeway

antwerp - groen kwartier - refurbished hospital building and chapel

About the Groen Kwartier

Groen Kwartier (Green Quarter) is the result of an extensive redevelopment of the former Military Hospital and its surrounding grounds and premises. Located in the Haringrode neighbourhood situated in between Berchem and Zurenborg, the former Military Hospital became an opportunity to create a centrally located urban neighbourhood. The result is an urban quarter with a combination of historic and newly built residential buildings in an almost car free setting. The former chapel has been transformed into a two Michelin-star restaurant The Jane operated by famous chef Sergio Hermans. A Delhaize city concept supermarket and a bakery with café add to the neighbourhood amenities. The former boiler house has been transformed into a co-work office space. And directly connected to Groen Quartier, the Pakt area popped up, a redevelopment project including creative startup offices, various F&B and a fitness.

Developers Vanhaerents and Matexi City Projects, supported by architects Stéphane Beel and Lieven Achtergael and their team, succeeded to develop an urban quarter in which history and contemporary concepts sit nicely next to each other, and where a mixture of functions create a living urban quarter. The near absence of cars makes the quarter a true walk-able area. This eye-catching project won several prices so far because of its sustainable and durable urban concept.

The site of the Military Hospital was vacant for almost 10 years after the army left the premises in the mid 1990s. Plans were discussed to demolish the complex with exception of the chapel and to transform the whole area into residential, as a response to the growing demand for housing in Antwerp. However, under influence of Haringrode neighbourhood residents and urbanists, there was a growing awareness of the value of the former military hospital complex, a unique ensemble of medical and surgery buildings around a chapel in a campus style setting. The complex,built in the second half of the 19th century, was an important element in the 19th century pre-World War I defence strategy for Antwerp. The result was development competition which emphasised the creation of an urban area in which history would be combined with contemporary urban needs.

With 450 dwellings, an underground parking garage, and the the addition of other functions including The Jane restaurant and a neighbourhood supermarket, the Groen Kwartier is among the most significant developments in Antwerp in the post millennium years.