Located in the heart of Antwerp and occupying the ground floor of a 17th Century renaissance building, the space has been transformed by Space Copenhagen who sought to express the hybrid duality between the buildings past grandeur and its present function. The result is a space that infuses classical interior architecture with a modern Scandinavian design aesthetic. 

With Blueness Antwerp, Space Copenhagen has created a design that, while dreamy and a little melancholic, also has unexpected elements of playful eclecticism. For Bindslev Henrikson and Bundgaard Rützou, the process has been an inspiring journey exploring many possibilities and feeding their curiosity. They have also relished the opportunity to work with an exciting range of talented and creative collaborators, as well as being supported by the generous and visionary mindsets of the partnering Dhedeene family behind the Verso fashion brand. 

Space Copenhagen’s design explores duality so guests can choose to either enjoy the buzz and dynamism of watching the open kitchen from the custom bar or take in the tranquillity of an intimate candlelit dinner in the main dining room. The subdued melancholy of Space Copenhagen’s design creates the perfect stage for Blueness Antwerp, bringing guests on a tasteful and sensuous journey within an eclectic environment. 

It was important to Space Copenhagen to honour the fragmented history of the building whilst giving it a contemporary spin with the studio’s signature modern Scandinavian aesthetic. 

The building’s classical spatial proportions have been placed centre stage of the design with fragments of its original detailing, which have survived for centuries, still evident. Tall ceilings arch above columns with carved and decorative elements in sandstone and marble, while elaborate metalwork framing adorns the various openings and windows within the space. The design of the restaurant has been envisioned by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou as a wonderous journey through time, where the restaurant bears witness to the different purposes and activities of the building throughout history.