City ports as a place for iconic architecture and the meeting point for sustainable ideas: the cases of Antwerp and Hamburg

Abstract

This article focuses on sustainable development practices used by two major European ports, Antwerp (Belgium) and Hamburg (Germany). The main idea of this research is to analyze which sustainable projects are included in the ports’ activities. One of the main assumptions relies on the possibility of iconic architecture to promote sustainable ideas through city branding. Thus, special attention is given to how iconic buildings construct the connection between can facilitate city branding through sustainable solutions. Urban landmarks are considered an instrument of city branding and a tool for promoting sustainable solutions. The Hamburg Port case and its iconic building, the Elb Philarmonie, and the Antwerp Port case and its iconic building, the Port Authority Building, are analyzed.