The city council of the Flemish city of Aalst have awarded KAAN Architecten with the commission for a new library and home of the Academy of Performing Arts. The building will also integrate the existing ?Pupillenschool? (formerly a military school for children) to anchor the new tenant into the Belgian town?s rich history. The complex will be located at the corner of Oude Graanmarkt and Espalnadestraat, becoming a new cornerstone project where the many communities of Aalst can gather, learn and engage in cultural activities.

© EdiT, KAAN Architecten

The city council of the Flemish city of Aalst have awarded KAAN Architecten with the commission for a new library and home of the Academy of Performing Arts. The building will also integrate the existing ?Pupillenschool? (formerly a military school for children) to anchor the new tenant into the Belgian town?s rich history. The complex will be located at the corner of Oude Graanmarkt and Espalnadestraat, becoming a new cornerstone project where the many communities of Aalst can gather, learn and engage in cultural activities.
© EdiT, KAAN Architecten

The design of KAAN?s functional addition starts with the building?s load-bearing shell ? thick walls that allow for large open spaces on the interior and complement the Pupillenschool?s historic brick facade. Small group spaces and private reading rooms cluster around the ce...