Antwerp Port House, a gem in Hadid's cap

Europe's second-biggest port has cut a distinct new shape into its skyline.

Architect Zaha Hadid's Antwerp Port House, which officially opened this week, integrates modern design with the city's history as a pioneer global trading hub and diamond center. Made of 2,000 triangular glass panels, it cost $62 million.

During construction, some Antwerp residents saw a ship or a diamond emerging from the brick-built old dockside fire station upon which the Iraqi-born Briton, who died in March, built the new structure, said Antwerp Port Authority CEO Eddy Bruyninckx.