Geometric Expansion Unites a Historic Museum Site
The Design Museum Gent in Belgium, redesigned by architecture studios Carmody Groarke, Atama, and Re-st, now features a striking geometric extension with sustainable white-brick architecture. This addition, crafted with waste-based white bricks, complements the museum’s three historic wings, creating a cohesive visitor experience.
The newly unveiled 2,200-square-metre timber-framed wing not only adds educational and event spaces but also increases the exhibition area, contributing to a total of 8,600 square metres. As Belgium’s largest design museum, it marks a significant transformation into eco-friendly architecture.
“Organisationally, we’ve got this idea of an ensemble of four buildings,” said Kevin Carmody, co-founder of Carmody Groarke, during a building tour. “The new building makes sense of three older buildings by connecting them physically in terms of accessibility, but also making the ensemble orient itself around this beautiful courtyard.”
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Sustainable White-Brick Architecture: Harmony and Innovations
Nodding to Ghent‘s traditional gabled houses, the new extension features a sloping profile with limestone bricks. Produced with Local Works Studio and BC Materials, these bricks have a third of the embodied carbon of typical Belgian clay bricks.
The design introduces a white brick façade interrupted by boxy glazed openings, providing a visual dialogue with the existing architecture. A significant entrance is accented with a 3D-printed aluminium door by Antwerp studio Unfold.
The structure begins with a reception and shop at ground level, leading to a courtyard via steps framed by an oversized earth column crafted from on-site construction waste.
Integrated Spaces for Cultural Engagement
The building hosts distinct zones, including exhibition spaces, a lecture hall, education spaces, and an event space with panoramic city views. A basement art-handling area completes the functional design, further emphasizing its sustainable principles.
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“[The rooms] respond to the very unusual proportions of the site and connect views specifically to each of the functions,” Carmody noted.
Inside, visitors will find exposed timber structures alongside bio-based design elements curated by Belgian creatives. This eco-friendly design ensures that the historic wings now feature divided spaces housing the museum’s refreshed art collection.
The museum officially reopens on October 3 with a new collection and exhibition. Photography is by Michiel De Cleene unless otherwise noted.
Sources & Links
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What kind of bricks were used in the Design Museum Gent extension?
The extension features waste-based white bricks, crafted with limestone and produced with Local Works Studio and BC Materials. These bricks have a third of the embodied carbon of typical Belgian clay bricks, contributing to the sustainable architecture of the museum.
How does the new building integrate with the existing museum structures?
The new building connects the three older buildings physically in terms of accessibility, making the ensemble orient itself around a beautiful courtyard. It complements the museum’s three historic wings and contributes to a cohesive visitor experience.
What functional spaces does the new extension include?
The new 2,200-square-metre wing includes exhibition spaces, a lecture hall, education spaces, and an event space with panoramic city views. Additionally, it houses a basement art-handling area and features a reception and shop at ground level, making it a fully integrated cultural space.