Description

Description of objects to be visited in Antwerp and surroundings

At the end of the 19th century, several objects in the port of Antwerp were hydraulically powered, such as cranes, locks, bridges, sewer slides and capstans. Steam engines and accumulators were set up in press houses for this purpose. It took until 1958 before the steam engines in the press houses were replaced by electricity, within the framework of the Marshall Plan. The Zuiderpershuis then operated the Nassau Bridge until 1977. A number of these objects are still present on "The Island". During the excursion, we will visit some of them via a walk. The route also includes two historic harbour docks and the construction site of the MAS (Museum Aan de Stroom).
The Stadspark is a 14 ha triangular park in the centre of Antwerp. The park takes the place of the former entrenchment or Lunette Herentals, which was part of the fortress of Antwerp. Noteworthy is the suspension bridge over the pond of the Stadspark, built by architect Keylig between 1867 and 1869.
Antwerp Central Station has an impressive platform roof, designed by ir van Bogaert. It has a width of 65 m and a height of 38 m. The structure consists of riveted three-hinged trusses. From 1986-1989 the train hall was thoroughly restored, while from 1998-2007 the new TGV north-south connections were constructed underground.
The beautiful Cortewalle castle in Beveren dates from the early 15th century. The surrounding garden is an English-style garden with the iron suspension bridge from 1900 as its characteristic feature. Wissekerke castle in Kruibeke - Basel was also surrounded by an English-style park. In 1824, the two parts of the park were connected by a wrought-iron suspension bridge with wooden footbridges. This one was the design of engineer J.B. Vifquin. It can support up to 40,000 pounds (kg!), and spans 28 m. It was the first such bridge in continental Europe.

08.00 am: departure TU Aula, Delft
09.00 am: departure Breda CS
09.30 am: departure Hazeldonk
10.30 am: guided tour of 'Het Eiland' in Antwerp (cranes, movable bridge,
locks, docks, historic construction site, etc.). This walk lasts about one and a half hours.
12.15 hrs: lunch in the Stadspark (packed lunch)
13.00 hrs: guided tour of Antwerp Central Station and explanation by ir. J. Hartog
14.30 hrs: visit to Cortewalle castle in Beveren to a
characteristic iron suspension bridge from 1900
15.30 hrs: visit to castle Wissekerke in Kruibeke to the first
wrought-iron suspension bridge on mainland Europe
16.30 hrs: drinks with snacks at restaurant Den Duiventoren in Basel
17.15 hrs: departure to Hazeldonk (18.00 hrs), Breda CS (18.30 hrs) and
Delft (19.30 hrs)

This excursion is somewhat inconvenient for members, who have difficulty walking, as a lot of walking is required on this day.

Location

Antwerp (Belgium)

Organiser

History of Technology

Histechnica / CEIJS

Name and contact details for information

Further information from Rob Lutke Schipholt at the e-mail address below.

RenM-Schipholt@planet.nl

Announcement + registration form in Word

Register via

To participate, please register before 12 October (because of catering) by sending or e-mailing the attached reply form. The maximum number of participants is 50. Registration will be in order of receipt. You will receive an invoice after registration.

soraya@bouwenmetstaal.nl