Oudaan

Black and white photo of a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a dark shirt, and a tie, looking slightly to the right with a serious expression.
The striking interior of the Oudaan, designed by architect Renaat Braem, featuring remarkable architecture and abundant natural light.
Top-down view of a wooden staircase with metal railings and a worn, cream-colored handrail.Detail of the distinctive staircase railing in the Oudaan, characteristic of architect Renaat Braem’s design.
The glass-enclosed walkway of the Oudaan, designed by Renaat Braem, featuring wooden details, bold structural elements and abundant natural light.
Empty interior with staircase, large curved windows, and glass entrance door.
Interior view of a staircase with wooden handrails and blue steps leading up, adjacent to an open door revealing a small tiled bathroom with a sink and a radiator, beige tiled walls, and natural light casting shadows.
The breathtaking interior of the Oudaan by Renaat Braem, where sculptural staircases, natural light and authentic architectural details create a striking effect.

RENAAT BREAM

Renaat Braem is widely regarded as one of Belgium's most influential architects and urban planners of the twentieth century. A visionary inspired by Le Corbusier, he believed architecture should do more than shape buildings; it should improve the way people live together.

His work combines bold modernist design with a strong social vision, always seeking a balance between functionality, community and human experience. Today, Braem's legacy continues to define the architectural identity of Antwerp and far beyond.

Black and white photo of a high-rise building under construction, surrounded by scaffolding, with many windows installed.

CIVIC CORE

When architect Renaat Braem designed the Administrative Centre, he envisioned far more than a government building. Inspired by the post-war concept of the civic core, his ambition was to create the beating heart of the city; a place where public life, community and architecture would come together. The building was conceived as a symbol of openness, civic pride and connection, restoring the city centre as a place where people would meet, interact and feel part of something greater.

Although Braem's complete masterplan was never realised, that original vision remains remarkably relevant today.

At Wave, we believe exceptional buildings deserve to remain places that bring people together. Through temporary creative activation today and a thoughtful redevelopment tomorrow, this landmark is gradually reclaiming its role as a destination for people, ideas and community.

The building's future is therefore not a departure from its past, but a continuation of the purpose it was always meant to fulfil: a vibrant civic heart where heritage, creativity and contemporary city life meet.

Temporary Activation

Before the Oudaan begins its next chapter, we are opening its doors to the city.

Rather than waiting for the final transformation, we believe the building should already contribute to Antwerp today.

People sitting on large floor cushions watching a black-and-white film projected on a screen in a dimly lit room with wooden walls and vintage movie equipment.
Outdoor dining scene at a bar with people sitting at tables, illuminated by warm lighting, in front of a tall building with many windows, at dusk or night.
An outdoor city rooftop dining area at dusk with string lights, trees, and people sitting at tables enjoying drinks and food, with a brewery or restaurant visible in the background.

Above the city

The rooftop of the Oudaan offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in Antwerp. From the Scheld and the port to the Cathedral and the historic city centre, few places reveal the city from such a unique perspective.

Our vision is to transform this hidden rooftop into a place of relaxation and experience. Together with our partners, we are exploring the possibility of creating rooftop saunas and hot and cold water baths, allowing visitors to unwind while enjoying a breathtaking 360° view over the city.

The idea builds on a growing movement seen in cities such as Paris, Berlin and Copenhagen, where rooftops are being reimagined as accessible places for wellbeing, connection and urban life.

By opening this exceptional location to the public, we hope to offer Antwerp residents and visitors a completely new way to experience their city; high above the streets, yet right at its heart.

A rooftop spa with outdoor hot tubs and saunas, evening ambiance with people relaxing, cloudy sky, city skyline in the background, fairy lights, and wooden lounge areas.

More than a landmark

The square in front of the Oudaan has become one of Antwerp's most sought-after urban spaces, regularly attracting requests for theatre performances, cultural initiatives, pop-ups and temporary events.

Together with local entrepreneurs, including Nikolaj, founder of the acclaimed Fiskebar, we are exploring how the square could evolve into a vibrant meeting place for everyone.

One of the ideas is to create a lively food street that extends the pedestrian-friendly atmosphere of the Lombardenvest, adding new places to eat, meet and enjoy the city during summertime.

In parallel, we are working with landscape architects to explore how thoughtful planting and greenery can create a more comfortable microclimate, making the square more enjoyable throughout the year.

During the winter months, the space could transform once again, becoming a welcoming setting for Christmas experiences and seasonal activities.

Our ambition is simple: to create a place that is alive all year round, where Antwerp residents and visitors alike can come together and enjoy one of the city's most iconic locations.

Rooftop sauna and spa area at dusk with wooden saunas, a hot tub, a waterfall shower, and seating areas with people relaxing and enjoying the evening.

The Stories Behind the Walls

More than an exhibition, it would become an immersive journey through one of Antwerp's most iconic buildings. Visitors would move through former offices, corridors and prison cells while listening to original podcasts and audio stories, bringing decades of memories back to life. Former police officers, residents, architects and eyewitnesses would guide visitors through untold stories of the building, revealing the human side of a place that shaped the city for generations.

Historical film fragments, artistic installations and intimate listening spaces would transform the Oudaan into a living archive, where architecture, memory and storytelling come together before the building enters its next phase.

A place once built to keep stories inside, now opens its doors to share them.

A home for the ideas of tomorrow

A large illustrated mural on the side of a building depicting cartoon characters and speech bubbles, promoting a new book for children. The scene is set in the evening, with a crowd of people gathered in front at the park, and a cityscape with church steeples and historic buildings in the background.

The future of the Oudaan is about more than preserving an iconic building, it is about creating new opportunities for work, innovation and entrepreneurship in the heart of Antwerp.

Wave envisions the Oudaan as a place where ambitious companies, creative studios, publishers, architects, technology firms and mission-driven organisations can work side by side. A destination where established businesses and young talent inspire one another, creating an ecosystem of ideas, collaboration and growth.

By bringing together organisations that value creativity, innovation and social impact, the Oudaan will become more than an office building. It will be a workplace where businesses grow, partnerships emerge and new ideas help shape the future of Antwerp.