The proposal by the OSQB-ANTEA team was selected as the winner for the development of a tourist attraction incorporating historical relics in Boom. The “Blauwe Halte” project is part of a larger initiative to welcome visitors to the Rupel region.

Four major attractions, or “gateways,” will be created for the Rupel region: the Hemiksem Abbey site, Noeveren, the Rumst water tower, and Boom as a hub. These gateways will be interconnected, thereby linking the entire region thematically. Boom will primarily serve as an infrastructural hub at the heart of the region. The Blauwe Halte is intended to connect the existing nearby attractions—namely, the De Schorre recreational area, the bike access point on the Rupel Dike, the Nautical Visitor Center, and the pier—and to serve as a starting point for further exploration of the Rupel region.

The site contains the remains of an old ring kiln. OSQB-ANTEA’s proposal was to preserve this ring kiln in its current state and, by adding a green roof and extensions, ensure that its deterioration is halted and that the interior space can be used as a restaurant dining room. A reference to the ring kiln’s original form and function was incorporated into the paving material of the plaza. By taking this different approach to the ruin, it is possible to create a rich experiential value with more limited resources, as opposed to an expensive restoration to its original state. Unfortunately, the renovation of the old ring kiln was not carried out. Instead, a decision was made to construct a new building separate from the ring kiln in order to achieve greater energy efficiency.