Jan De Nul Group - Knokke Matuvu

Knokke Matuvu

The Albertplein (or Albert Square) in Knokke will become the ultimate ‘place m’as-tu-vu’

In recent years, the Albertplein alongside the sea bank has been losing a bit of its appeal along with some community spaces and catering facilities. The coastal town of Knokke-Heist concluded an agreement with the partnership Jan De Nul Group and Goethals Promotor to re-convert the town’s beating heart into the place-to-be that it once was.

This urban renovation project includes the construction of a 2-floor underground car park, the reconstruction of the surrounding roads and a complete redesigning of the above-ground public square. The renovated Albertplein will become an ode to light and invite people to watch but also to be seen. The new grand and stylish square, executed in high-quality materials with the addition of the construction of a highly unique and prestigious glass catering pavilion designed by architect Philippe Samyn and Partners will most definitely revitalise this place.

Parking in style under a unique glass pavilion surrounded by water.

The plans for the new ‘place m’as-tu-vu’ include more than underground parking, they will make people dream within a sea of space.

The central domed catering pavilion on the renovated square is an ode to light. The dome is made of two kinds of crystal clear glass: one half of the glass triangles consists of ordinary reflective glass, whereas the other half is made of completely non-reflective glass.

“The design evokes a feeling of infinity and freedom, a feeling that is even reinforced by the water mirror all around the pavilion that makes the hemisphere look like a genuine sphere. The purpose is to revitalise the Albertplein, to entice people to come and see it for themselves, also to be seen of course and to dream away with the sun on their skin and a magnificent view of the sea.”

Architect Philippe Samyn and Partners

Seeing and being seen on a grand carpet.

The public space in between the Kustlaan, the Zeedijk and the built upon sides of the square is completely covered with a huge rectangular carpet of 67m x 30m in a chessboard pattern with black and white panels that are embellished on all sides by fringes also exhibiting alternating black and white stripes. This carpet will have an international appeal and evoke images of past travels. This ironic reference to the rest of the world will add a uniqueness as well as artistic added value to tomorrow’s ‘place m’as-tu-vu’.

In pictures

You want more information?

To properly inform local residents and interested persons about the present construction plans, the envisaged phasing of the works, the site layout and the measures that are taken to limit the nuisance and maintain accessibility, a specific project website has been launched on which all available project information and an answer to the most frequently asked questions can be found.

To the KNOKKE MATUVU website