Library and City archive, Dendermonde BE

For the centre of a typical Belgian city Herman Zeinstra designed a library and a city archive. Our response to the extensive, multiple brief was to develop a rational plan with a clear structure and an unusual use of light. The library and city archive are brought together under one roof. The exterior of the building exposes the lattice-like structure, and as such reveals what the interior looks like. The design is such that there are no unnecessarily dark areas in the building. The lower spans let filtered light into the reading room. A great deal of attention was paid to the way the building is used, and a clear, almost obvious division of space makes the design very user-friendly. The building could be described as a square box topped with three transverse sections on either side that each support two floors. Each transverse section houses two extra floors, housing the working areas. The ground floor is given over to the library. The inserted floors serve as extra storage for the books. There is also space for a conference hall and two restaurants. The complex is enclosed by freestanding walls of different heights, which look as if they are protecting the building from the scrutiny of the world outside.


Architect: Herman Zeinstra
Team: P. Cannon, J. Rombouts
Number: 0305
Status: Not build
Year: 2003 - 2003
Client: Gemeente Dendermonde