Zaha Hadid wins Antwerp competition

Zaha Hadid Architects has won the competition to design the new headquarters for Antwerp, Belgium's Port Authority.

The new 46 m-high, five-storey, 12000 m2 'crystalline' extension will sit on three concrete pillars over the existing building - a former fire station - and is designed to reflect the Belgian's ports links to the diamond industry.

The three pillars will house stairways and lifts, and will support offices for 500 personnel, an auditorium and a restaurant with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The new building is expected to cost € 31.5 million to construct, with completion due in 2013.