Library + Restaurant + Multifunctional Space / BOB361 Architects

Architects: BOB361 Architects
Location: Dendermonde, Belgium
Project Team: Goedele Desmet, Ivo Vanhamme, Jean-Michel Culas
Collaborators: Gunther Slagmeulder, Ward Verbakel, Annelies Augustijns, Annelies Staessen, Nathan Ooms, Griet Moors
Interior Architect: Venlet interior architecture – danny venlet
Structural Engineer: BAS – dirk jaspaert- kathleen mertens
Environmental Engineer: Daidalos – filip descamps
Acoustic Engineer: Daidalos – paul mees
Hydraulic & Mechanical Engineer: BBT – guido neuhard
Project Area: 6,300 sqm
Budget: 8,500,00.00 Euro
Project Year: 2003-2010
Photographs: André Nullens

The building site is situated between the main road of the city of Dendermonde and the green bank of the river Dender.

Three urban strategies lead to the creation of a new connection of these two contrasting atmospheres.

diagram 01

diagram 02

The historical fortifications are transformed into a greenbelt around the centre of the city. The green passage along the library completes the missing link in this structure.
Within the urban fabric the complex introduces a new hangout-place, enriching the social network. The presence of schools and the diverse program will activate the site day and night.
By creating a physical pedestrian walkthrough, connecting the main shopping axis and the recreational green area, a critical mass of people can penetrate the site.

floor plan

The passage gives the building four active façades.

The literal implementation of the program would have been problematic on the building site, as the green passage would have become parking and the building itself would lack dialogue with its surrounding space. By shifting the parking onto the top of the building, the green area can become a pedestrian connection where the main entrance of the library is situated. The roof functions as a public and easily accessible square. The multifunctional hall (exhibitions, functions, lectures…) along the main road and meeting rooms on the “backside” are lifted and can function separately through the roofscape. The ‘roof- square’ acts as a transit space for the flux of cars and people. It folds to get natural light into the underlying spaces. The large open space of the library is formed by the folding planes of the roof and the floor, creating a space of varying volumes. By setting the book collections down, the occupant has an uninterrupted view of the library space. The central circulation-strip services the different collections and is naturally lit (garden, light- pavilion, skylight).

Sustainability

The folded concrete slab incorporates the lighting and the acoustic absorption.

Since the building is very deep, the design a sustainable lighting system was very important: the concrete roof is folded in such a way as to allow natural light to penetrate into the core of the building, without causing glare.

To realize optimal summer comfort, intensive night ventilation was integrated in the project. Although a library is a very busy and vibrant space, the lighting and acoustic design make it a very comfortable and quiet space.