Groepswoningen Nieuw Zuid

Within the framework of Secchi Vigano's master plan, BOB361 designed an urban development project mainly focused on social housing for Nieuw Zuid in Antwerp. The architects are ambitious and try to transcend the difficulties associated with social housing blocks. Social diversity is created within the social housing blocks by using a variety of different housing types and by creating smart connections between them. The efficient support structure and circulation space also made it possible to invest in other housing qualities. For example, most housing types have a dual orientation and each dwelling has a panoramic view of the river or the park through a large window that connects to a spacious balcony. With block 7, the architects opted for a U-shaped building, which provides a roof garden and additional light for the lateral streets. Along the exterior of the residential blocks, white-grey brick alternates with modern accents in yellow, white, steel and glass.

This text is based on the architects’ project details and the essay by Luce Beeckmans, which was published in Flanders Architectural Review N°14. When Attitudes Take Form.