Antwerp, Belgium, is committed to creating a more sustainable transportation environment for both the city and its surrounding areas. Central to this effort is the development of a series of Park and Ride (P+R) facilities that seamlessly integrate parking with public transit options. Beyond improving mobility for users, these projects are designed to serve as iconic urban gateways, welcoming visitors into Antwerp.
The primary design challenge for these P+R buildings lies in managing the transitions between different scales. Architects must not only consider the physical space of each facility but also ensure that it clearly embodies its role as a city gateway, reflecting Antwerp’s identity.
At each station, the seamless transition between private transportation (cars) and public transit options—including trams, buses, and shared bicycles—is essential. The P+R buildings embody Antwerp’s commitment to sustainable transportation by functioning as transitional hubs similar to airports, train stations, and metro stations, where comfort, clarity, and safety during transfers are paramount.
Key to the success of these transfer environments are the comfort, legibility, and safety they offer to travelers, residents, and tourists navigating the metropolitan transit network. The complex intersections within this network form the core of each P+R facility.
Currently, three P+R facilities have been completed in Luchtbal, Linkeroever, and Merksem, offering 1,800, 1,500, and 680 parking spaces respectively. The total investment for these projects amounts to 56 million euros.
The building’s form is largely shaped by its architectural structure and the surrounding landscaped green spaces. Notably, the structures omit traditional exterior walls, instead showcasing a clean and integrated framework composed of concrete columns and wooden beams, promoting sustainable material use. A central courtyard allows natural light to penetrate the interior while directing various traffic flows.
Project Drawings
△ First Floor Plan
Typical Floor Plan
△ Section and Elevation Views
△ Detailed Node Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: HUB
Project Year: 2022
Photographers: Jeroen Verrecht, Wouter De Ceuster
Project Collaboration: Sweco
Location: Antwerp, Belgium
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