Bibliotheek Blankenberge

The Open Call for a new library in the city of Blankenberge included the restoration and conversion of a former school building into a library. The project only stipulated that the front façade, the north façade and the roof of the former secondary school dating back to 1883 had to be retained. Most designers consequently proposed to remove everything behind the façade to make room for a new building. However, the design by Sergison Bates focused specifically on enhancing the quality of the existing building. The architects were instructed to incorporate a number of individual rooms dedicated to a specific activity. The many different spaces are opened up via a new circulation system, for which Sergison Bates Architects added an arcade at the back of the building. This arched gallery has a continuous ribbon-shaped structure with detailing that matches the traditional bourgeois character of the existing building. The arcade creates a link between the modest street architecture and the monumental presence of the old building, which enhances the memorable quality of the existing spaces. In the new building, however, the spaces are more open with a flexible geometry, with generous views of the urban landscape.

This project was opened on the occasion of the 2017 Day of Architecture.