The Port of Gent was historically located in the city centre. Large-scale port developments forced the ports´ main infrastructure to leave the city, attenuating the bond between the citizens and the port activity. To stop this social and physical detachment, the decision was made to build a visitor’s centre at the meeting point between them: the edge of the dock. 

From inside the building one can look out far into the 3 km long infrastructure, straight into the belly of the harbour. This is a unique opportunity as many times the view of the water in the port area is obstructed by companies headquarters, warehouses or factories.

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The building is situated in the midst of various traffic flows. It is a reference point between the trajectories of port cranes, mooring cruise ships, routes of port workers and the car traffic on the R4, locally known as the ring rond.

Photos (1-3): Filip Dujardin

Competition: First Prize