PAKT

PAKT is a hotspot in the Antwerp Green Quarter where you will find an original amalgamation of entrepreneurs and urban horticulturists. The concept involves the redevelopment of old warehouses that, having left their glory days behind, served as locations for underground parties. Today, a host of sustainable and creative businesses are occupying the building, creating a trendy, urban ambiance reflecting cosiness, spirit, imagination, authenticity and innovation. The original structure of the hangar has been preserved with due regard for its origins throughout the site. This immediately creates a link between the various businesses - which include a fitness centre, clothing retailer, model agency, day care centre and much more - and are connected via a cobbled street. It creates a courtyard in this mini city surrounded by restaurants, cafes and coffee bars. The project is not only surrounded by the greenery of the site. City gardens incorporating greenhouses on top of the old warehouses also provide scope for growing fruit and vegetables. This infusion of sustainability, organic horticulture and trendy food outlets into these converted old buildings has transformed the former warehouses into a contemporary, dynamic and attractive place to be.

This project was opened on the occasion of the 2019 Day of Architecture. The text is based on a contribution by Ama Verdonckt.