Namur, Belgium
At the confluence of the Meuse and Sambre rivers, adjacent to the historic Roman citadel and across from the Wallonian Parliament in Namur, Belgium; 3XN’s “beautiful game of terraces” in the form of a Cultural Plaza and Digital Port; invites the rediscovery of this historic setting.
Designed in collaboration with BEE Architects and Landscape Architects JNC International as well as Lateral Thinking Factory to flow across the site in one continuous gesture, the Plaza and Digital Port are inspired by the natural forms of the river and organic patterns of nature.
Soft curves define the project and will connect with visitors in a warm embrace that is human-scaled and friendly.
The design creates a destination with a strong identity and true sense of place.
Envisioned as an economic driver for the 21st-Century, the new Digital Port will be a cultural building encompassing a range of activities, where modern technologies will be made available to citizens and the Smart City project.
Designed to flow across the site in one continuous gesture, the Plaza and Digital Port are inspired by the natural forms of the river and organic patterns of nature.
Soft curves define the project and will connect with visitors in a warm embrace that is human-scaled and friendly.
The competition jury commended the design, “The whole riverfront façade is open to the water: a beautiful game of terraces inviting the rediscovery of the Meuse River; its rhythm; its life animated by boats and movement.’’
Appreciating the importance of its location and desiring to integrate seamlessly into this historic setting, the semicircular building is fully glazed.
This enables people to literally look through the building from the tip of the Grognon through to the citadel.
A spiral stair leads down to the restaurant with an open kitchen, which offers a stunning 180-degree view of the river confluence and city.
Dining can extend out onto the adjacent patio in fine weather. The lower level also contains office space, storage and technical room.
Project: The Grognon
Architects: 3XN
Local Architects: BEE architects
Urban Planners: JNC International
Collaborators: De Graeve, Duchene and Nonet, Lateral Thinking Factory, Arcadis, Radiance 35
Client: City of Namur, De Graeve, Duchene and Nonet
