Architects: Studio Farris Architects
Area: 600 m²
Year: 2016
Photography: Tim Van de Velde, Lumecore/Toon Grobet
Structural Engineer: Planet Engineering
Technical Engineer: Studiebureau Boydens
Construction: Bouw & Renovatie
Client: City of Bruges
City: Bruges
Country: Belgium
City Library Bruges, renovated by Studio Farris Architects in 2015, seamlessly merges modern design with the preservation of its architectural heritage. The project expanded the Sint-Andries library, with a new extension clad in Corten steel contrasting the original white plaster facade. Large windows were incorporated to enhance visibility and flood the reading areas and workspaces with natural light, creating a welcoming and bright environment for visitors.
In 2012, Studio Farris Architects won the competition organized by the City of Bruges to lead the renovation and expansion of the Sint-Andries library. Their design successfully balanced the integration of contemporary elements while respecting the historical context of the building, highlighting a thoughtful blend of old and new architecture.
The project faced constraints due to the limited plot size and the urban setting. The existing library, housed within a building listed on the architectural heritage inventory, had to be extended while respecting its historical significance.
The client’s main request was to give the library its own distinct identity and make it more visible from the surrounding streets.
The extension, designed to be subordinate to the original building in scale, is visually distinguished by its Corten steel facades, contrasting with the white plaster of the heritage structure. This material choice enhances the contrast between the historic and modern elements.
Larger corner windows in the new extension increase the library’s visibility and provide a connection to the surrounding area. The design placed reading areas, workspaces, and the reception desk near these windows, maximizing natural light.
Three types of windows were used throughout the building to ensure a welcoming atmosphere and allow natural light to vary throughout the day and across seasons.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 4 Albert Serreynstraat, 8200 Bruges, Flanders, Belgium
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
