The Flemish master builder, the Flemish government’s guardian of architectural policy, as well as his four predecessors remain firmly opposed to Fernand Huts's plans to remodel Antwerp's Boerentoren and have written an opinion piece for the daily De Standaard. Katoen Natie, the port company of captain of industry Fernand Huts bought the Boerentoren in 2020. The businessman later proposed an exciting plan for the modernisation of the Antwerp landmark that included an impressive glass spire. Flemish master builders old and new do not like the idea.
It was a year ago that businessman Fernand Huts proposed his plans for the Boerentoren. The Boerentoren or Farmers’ Tower is an historic art-deco high-rise in the northern port city. Completed in 1931 it stands 87.5 metres high. It was Belgium’s first tower block and the tallest high-rise in Europe in its day. It remained the second tallest building of Antwerp, after the cathedral, until this century. It was dubbed the “Farmers’ Tower” in popular parlance due to the involvement of the Farmers’ Union in its construction.
Renowned American architect Daniel Libeskind is responsible for giving the tower a new look that includes a glass structure in the shape of a diamond at the top of the building. Flanders’ five living master builders are fiercely opposed to these plans.
An opinion piece by architectural historian Francis Strauven in De Standaard has revived the debate. The opinion piece is signed by all Flemish master builders: current Master Builder Erik Wieërs and former Master Builders Leo Van Broeck, Peter Swinnen, Marcel Smets and Bob van Reeth.
Spectacle without added value
"The Farmers’ Tower is a static icon that refers to its surroundings. There is no need to pour a contemporary sauce over it. We regret that it is not being allowed to retain its dignity. There are some people who, departing from the idea of spectacle, find it interesting, but I don't think it is a sustainable solution," Flemish Master Builder Erik Wieërs told VRT.
"Fernand Huts had a number of architects submit a proposal and chose a name. In my opinion, someone who will work on this tower in the most extreme way was chosen. The advice of the master builder was never followed," Wieërs says.
Private initiative
The conversion of the tower is a private initiative. The authorities only have a limited say in the plans. Nevertheless, the project will receive government subsidies. "It is a heritage project subsidised by the Flemish government. In that sense, we, as a community, are involved and concerned, and it is relevant that we say something about it," notes current Master Builder Erik Wieërs.
"Unacceptable"
According to the Master Builders, the Boerentoren is an iconic building that has an important history. "These spectacular additions will overwhelm and ridicule the Boerentoren, reshape it and destroy its original historical significance. This is totally unacceptable," the master-builders conclude in their opinion piece.
"Out of a mercantile spirit, Mr Huts wants to get as many people as possible on top of the tower via some kind of viewing platform. This requires a lift and thus an elevation of the building, but what is the added value of that for the building" Wieërs wonders.