SINT-ANDRIES
Renovation and transformation of the sociocultural meeting center Costa in Antwerp.
Year ︎︎︎ 2023 - ...
Status ︎︎︎ Adjudication
Commission ︎︎︎ Competition, 1st prize
Surface ︎︎︎ 3.150m²
Budget ︎︎︎ 10.5m€
Team︎︎︎ TM URA-ALTSTADT (ALTSTADT icw URA Yves Malysse Kiki Verbeeck), Tech 3, Bollinger+Grohmann, Daidalos Peutz
Client ︎︎︎ AG Vespa
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ALTSTADT, in collaboration with URA Yves Malysse Kiki Verbeeck, has been assigned for the renovation and extension of of the sociocultural meeting center Sint-Andries in Antwerp.
The project concerns the renovation and extension of the socio-cultural centre Sint-Andries in Antwerp, known today as COSTA. The site, in continuous use since the mid-18th century, accommodates a range of sociocultural organisations and plays an important role in the life of the Sint-Andries neighbourhood—a dense and diverse area in the historic core of the city.
The existing infrastructure is varied: a layered assemblage of spaces, including valuable historic buildings, later additions, and temporary structures. The project proposes a selective approach, combining restoration, demolition, and new construction. Three new volumes will be added, standing alongside the existing buildings under a shared and dynamic roofscape.
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A new green public passage forms the project’s spatial backbone, connecting the Sint-Andriesplaats with the Prekersstraat and a series of green public spaces beyond. Along this axis, the different functions of the centre have a clear address. The passage strengthens internal circulation and improves legibility across the complex.
At the heart of the site, the inner agora combines a foyer, library, and caf. into a shared, informal meeting space. This indoor core is mirrored by an outdoor agora—a planted square with covered areas designed for informal use by the various cultural and youth organisations on the site.
The project has high ambitions in terms of sustainability. The currently completely paved site will be softened by at least 50%. Heating and cooling will be fossil-free, with a geothermal heat pump powered by PV installation. Existing valuable heritage will be meticulously insulated and adapted to contemporary standards. A participation process with both users and local residents will ensure social support for the project.
Work is scheduled to start in the beginning of 2026.
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At the heart of the site, the inner agora combines a foyer, library, and caf. into a shared, informal meeting space. This indoor core is mirrored by an outdoor agora—a planted square with covered areas designed for informal use by the various cultural and youth organisations on the site.
The project has high ambitions in terms of sustainability. The currently completely paved site will be softened by at least 50%. Heating and cooling will be fossil-free, with a geothermal heat pump powered by PV installation. Existing valuable heritage will be meticulously insulated and adapted to contemporary standards. A participation process with both users and local residents will ensure social support for the project.
Work is scheduled to start in the beginning of 2026.
