Restoration of the Braembibliotheek (Municipal Library) in Schoten

Architectural assignment assigned by the municipality of Schoten to DMT architecten, subsidized by Flanders Heritage Agency.

The restoration of a young architectural monument (Sint-Cordula Library designed by architect Renaat Braem 1976, now Braembibliotheek) while retaining its original function (Public Library) in accordance with current standards. 

Research questions.

1. -How can the Braem library with its specific design meet the current library needs?

2. -How can a modernistic iconic building be made integrally accessible while maintaining the original spatiality and design? How can the public building be brought into line with the current safety regulations in accordance with the original spatiality and design?

3. -How can the energy management of a modernistic iconic building be improved in accordance with the original spatiality and design?

4. -How can the design theme of 'the four elements' (leading theme of Braem's design) be made visible again in the building?

Impact.

  • Onsite visits and exhibitions during "Open Monumentendagen 2104, 2015, 2016"  
  • Website DMT architecten
  • Website Archixplore
  • Book published by the city of Schoten in november 2017 :
  • "BRAEMBIBLIOTHEEK van schets tot restauratie 1968-2017"  Erik Block,Jo Braeken, Harrie Hendrickx, Lut Roelens and others.
  • Subject for a paper about Projectmanagment by Master students Interior Design of the UA November 2017.
  • Onsite visit by a group of architects from NAV  (Netwerk Architecten Vlaanderen) October 2016.