The Belgian Studio Farris Architects, founded by the Italian architect Giuseppe Farris, designs the extension of the municipal library of Bruges with the intention of a strong contrast with the existing building. The lower height, the Corten steel finishing and a series of windows of varying sizes, differ markedly from the new building of the old library.
This visual break is given by the requirements of the City of Bruges, seeking greater visibility from the outside and a strong identity of the library regarding the rest of the cultural activities.
Description of the project by Studio Farris
The plot on which the library had to be expanded was very limited in size and located in an urban environment. The existing library, alongside other public services, was located in a building that’s listed on the inventory of architectural heritage.
The request of the client consisted of a complex set of requirements, along with the wish to make the library more visible from the adjacent streets and give it its own identity to make it stand out from the multiplicity of other services located in the existing building.
The extension is subordinate to the main building in terms of dimensions and is visually disconnected from it by its materialisation: the facades are finished in Corten steel panels that contrast with the white plastered facades of the main building. The position of the extension emphasises the tension between the existing heritage building and the new volume.
Large windows are located on the corners of the new volume to give the library the necessary visibility and interaction with its surroundings. Functions such as reading corners, workspaces and the reception desk are located close to these large windows so they benefit from the natural light streaming in.
To create a pleasant atmosphere in the library, 3 different types of windows were used, allowing visitors to enjoy natural light throughout the day and seasons.
