Antwerpen

Central Station

LOCATION
Antwerp (BE)

YEAR
2021-2023

CLIENT
City of Antwerp

LIGHTING DESIGN PROJECT
Susanna Antico Lighting Design Studio

PHOTOGRAPHER
Benno Van den Bogaert


AWARDS
lighting-design-awards ligh-awards illumination-awards

The lighting design for Antwerp Central Station enhances its architectural grandeur and dynamic urban role, guiding movement, highlighting key features, and creating a welcoming, atmospheric space that blends heritage with modern experience.

Our lighting for the “Railway Cathedral” balances heritage enhancement with future-oriented experience of the building and surroundings by embellishing and reinforcing its architectural grandeur while stating its kinetic energy.

Movement defines the essence of a dynamic city - especially in a railway station, where people and goods flow seamlessly. Our design reestablishes the hierarchy of the station, guiding perception, ensuring harmonious interplay of light, architecture and activity.

Antwerpen Central, built in 1895, is widely considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. The building presents itself with three distinct façades, each offering a unique experience and function. From Keyserlei, the iconic entrance and façade act as visual magnets, drawing visitors to the station. The intricate details of Astridplein’s twin towers impressively echo the elegance of the neighbouring Zoo, a lush exotic oasis of the same architectural style.

Adjacent to the diamond district, the roof tiles evoke both crocodile leather and glazed enamel of jewellery, seamlessly tying the station to the city’s identity. The rosace of the entrance dome, reminiscent of a peacock’s tail, reinforces this sense of opulence.

The lighting elevates the station beyond mere functionality, highlighting rich architectural details, enhances wayfinding and fosters a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. The station becomes a space where people can pause and experience a moment of relaxation amidst the urban flow.

antwerpen-central-station