Restoration and retrofit of the 'Abbess House' on the Bijloke site into an arts library that brings together the collections of KASK, SMAK, Design museum, STAM, HISK and the Ghent Guides under one roof.

The Arts Library is a specialised library in the visual arts with a focus on contemporary art, design, the city of Ghent and urbanism. Within the restored building we designed a contemporary self-study centre with easy access to new technologies, where the user's interaction with the collection is stimulated. Design choices from open shelves and circulation, flexible and modular plans, and links to the outdoors give this intimate and open library an atmosphere that stimulates research and reflection on art.