The Wiel Arets architectural practice has built new office headquarters for the authority in charge of water traffic control near the border of Belgium and the Netherlands. The people working in this building are responsible for controlling surrounding canals, locks and sluices, all of which are situated near the river.
The water traffic control building has a curvilinear form that is the result of the need to regroup formerly separate control centers into one physical space. The elevated polygonal shape of the building enhances the quality of visibility from the inside looking out into the surrounding landscape.
The building's upper storey is covered with a pleasing pattern of dots cantilevered above a reflective pool. The underside of the structure bears silkscreened black glass that magnifies the amount of natural light coming from the liquid surface.
Photo Credits: designboom, wielaretsarchitects
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Water Traffic Control Buildings
- Designing innovative buildings for water traffic control can improve the safety and efficiency of water transport.
- Reflective Building Surfaces
- Using reflective materials for building surfaces can enhance the quality of natural light inside buildings.
- Elevated Buildings
- Elevated buildings with polygonal forms can improve visibility and optimize space for multiple functions.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Architecture
- Architecture firms can innovate by developing unique and sustainable designs for water traffic control buildings.
- Construction
- Construction companies can explore the use of new construction materials and techniques to create highly reflective and visually striking building facades.
- Transportation
- Incorporating state-of-the-art traffic control buildings can improve the safety and efficiency of water transportation for industries such as shipping, fishing, and recreational boating.
