The Stadsschouwburg is known to Antwerpers as 'the old KNS' and is sometimes also referred to irreverently as 'the concrete bunker'. This building and the adjacent theatre square is the crowning glory of the important urban development project of the theatre district in the city of Antwerp. Not only is it the heart of the cultural life but is also an important part of the experience of the Meir, Antwerp's main shopping street.

In 2003 the city council decided to use the Open Call procedure for the theatre square and its surroundings. This project is in the midst of being carried out and the square will soon be bringing new life to this cultural district.

Simultaneously the city wishes to draw up a development plan for the Stadsschouwburg as the building is in need of renovation and expansion. On the one hand there is the renovation of the technical equipment and the façade. On the other hand an individual building project has been drawn up for the Koninklijke Balletschool (Royal Ballet School) within the existing structure of the building. This extension was approved by the Flemish Government as part of a large DBFM school-building-project. Antwerp city council therefore wishes to use the Open Call procedure once again to create a high-quality design framework for its Stadsschouwburg.