KAAN Architecten transforms a military school into a meditative library in Belgium

Locals have welcomed a new architectural landmark and cultural hub in the Flemmish city of Aalst, designed by KAAN Architecten. Puzzling its way through the centre’s irregular streets and stray squares, Utopia (as the building has been named) comprises a sprawling 8000 sq m structure extending from the shell of a former military school, which now serves a dual purpose as the city’s library and performing arts academy. Outside, it blends into the urban fabric through its unassuming red-brick façade; inside it makes a bold architectural statement on the benefits of shared-space learning.

Utopia is so-titled after Thomas More’s acclaimed 16th-century book of the same name. The socio-political satire depicts a fictional island society and its monastery-like customs. Like its namesake, the new building is a relaxing haven, achieved by KAAN Architecten’s use of light walls, raw concrete and impressive room-by-room dimensions. The surrounding city and inner ‘utopia’ are intimately connected by a patchwork of vast windows; often as high and wide as the rooms themselves.

If books support Utopia conceptually, the aim is that they appear to prop it up physically, too. Inside the library atrium on the first floor, the bookcases are pushed up against concrete discs which allow the floors to cantilever out without extra support, giving the impression that the ceilings are supported by a wall of publications.

Floating concrete floors slice across the space, offering the shelter of semi-private reading spots in an otherwise completely open-plan hall, a key feature of which is the centralised, 11.5 m high bookcase, filled with books donated by each Aalst resident.

The performing arts academy – which comprises a ballet room, rehearsal studios, an auditorium and teaching spaces – flanks the library, separated by carefully placed sound barriers like reinforced wooden doors, insuring music and student bustle doesn’t leak into the library.

The renovation has been so sensitive and seamless that it’s difficult to know if you’re standing in the new extension or the old schoolhouse; but outside the distinction is subtly marked by the direction of the ‘Red Aalst’ brickwork – long flat bricks are laid horizontally across the new extension, to counter the vertically-oriented bricks of the old school façade.

INFORMATION

For more information, visit the KAAN Architecten website