REX architecture: kortrijk lllibrary

kortrijk ‘library of the future’ by REX architecture image courtesy REX architecture

the city of kortrijk sought to create a ‘library of the future’ that would combine the functions of a traditional central library with a life-long learning center, and engage the city’s music center as an equal partner. the city named this agglomeration the ‘lllibrary’ which has been designed by REX architecture.

kortrijk ‘library of the future’ image courtesy REX architecture

by moving the lllibrary to the music center’s site, and by enveloping portions of the music center’s existing building, the lllibrary’s connection to the cultural axis is strengthened. more importantly, the lllibrary’s breadth is significantly expanded by the literal inclusion of the music center.

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’ image courtesy rex architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

by incorporating the existing music center’s auditoria and pop hall into the new lllibrary building, the scheme makes cost-effective use of recently renovated performance infrastructure.

kortrijk’s lllibrary aims to weave together the cumulative human and technological intelligence of the library, the life-long learning center, and the music center.

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

the functions of the library, the life-long learning center, and the music center are collectively grouped into “stable” and “unstable” halves. these halves are layered into a single, linear educational “ribbon.” each half is architecturally equipped with its own form of bespoke flexibility such that it can evolve without detriment to the other half. the stable function such as classrooms, meeting spaces, offices, and auditoria—are organized within the ribbon’s interior, and can be reassigned as the three institutions’ needs change. the unstable spaces predominantly composed of the library’s public space and book stacks—form the ribbon’s rooftop, and can be wholly reconceived as necessary.

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture kortrijk ‘library of the future’ – furnitureimage courtesy REX architecture

the flexibility of the custom-designed furniture further supports the lllibrary’s affordable redefinition over time. using a universal table that can transform into a reading station, a writing station, a study carrel, a computer station, or a conference table and that can be single-sided or double-sided, and oriented for sitting or standing allows the lllibrary’s spaces to be redefined throughout the building’s life without additional cost.

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’image courtesy REX architecture

kortrijk ‘library of the future’ courtesy of bureau bas smets

credits design architect: REX urban planner/landscape architect: bureau bas smets executive architect: bureau bouwtechniek consultants: NEY, studio arne quinze