Belgium

Puurs Public Library
Bossuyt, Van de Walle | Belgium

The public library of Puurs is located in the town centre. The remodeled library building is part of an urban renovation plan. The architect used a lot of glass for the front of the building to increase the feeling of openness and transparentness. The result is a library with a human-environment relationship where light and space are the dominant elements. Accentuating the main white with trendy colors brings out the library’s bright design.

Genk Public Library
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Aries, Claude Vasconi, Gedas | Belgium

The public library of Genk is located in the town centre, at the town square. The new library building is part of a great urban renovation plan. The central location in the town shows the important role of a public library in the cultural life in the town. Using the same ground floor as the town square creates a connection with the environment and the citizens.

Bree Public Library
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Bert Geraets, Ilse Das | Belgium

The public library of Bree was completely renovated in 2005. The result is a library without interior walls, creating an abundance of daylight and a large open space in which shelves are organized from low ones to high ones from the centre to the walls. The total floor space was increased by abolishing the auditorium and establishing an extra level. Mobile shelves allow creating a space for performances, lectures etc.

Zonnebeke Public Library
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Supply Architects | Belgium

The public library of Zonnebeke is located in a park in the centre of the community with 12.000 inhabitants. Architects renovated an old barn and built a complete new wing. The two buildings are connected by a glass entrance hall. This combination of old and new reflects the specific situation of Zonnebeke, a village which was partly destroyed during the First World War and had to be rebuilt. The new library wing has a rust colour to maintain the connection with the environment and to refer to the Great War.

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