Faculty Library of Engineering and Architecture

The library was the winning proposal in a competition (2010) for the organization of the library in an existing physics hall in the heart of a 19th century university building. The intervention of OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen is the insertion of a large, pavilion-like piece of furniture under the balcony of this physics hall. The “cupboard” is a construction of prefabricated steel elements. It contains passages, stairs and desks, and organizes both the library itself and the access to reading rooms in the side wings and the back offices. The library collections – organized in levels according to accessibility and exclusivity – are presented visibily towards the central space, which contains 4 reading tables. The design fulfils a dual function. A system of vertically sliding, perforated panels allows for the cupboards to be closed off, protecting the collection during lectures or other events, while keeping them visually present.