Architecture News

The Design Museum Gent in Belgium recently reopened its doors following an extensive renovation and expansion project. This transformation, a collaboration between London-based Carmody Groarke and Ghent's ATAMA (formerly TRANS architectuur | stedenbouw), integrates historical preservation with modern architectural interventions. The aim was to create a more accessible and engaging institution, shifting its focus from mere display to active visitor participation and interaction with design concepts.

The journey to the museum's renewed identity began in November 2019, when Carmody Groarke and TRANS architectuur | stedenbouw won an international competition to design the extension. The museum, Belgium's largest design institution, occupies a significant site within Ghent's UNESCO World Heritage city center. Its original structure comprised an eighteenth-century mansion, Hotel de Coninck, and the sixteenth-century Leten House, alongside a 1992 wing. The recent four-year undertaking, which concluded with its reopening on October 3, 2026, involved both a new wing by Carmody Groarke and ATAMA, and restoration efforts by RE-ST architectenvennootschap.

A pivotal aspect of the redesign was a citizen-led initiative called DE40, formed in 2025. This panel of forty Ghent residents was instrumental in shaping the museum's vision, ensuring it would be relevant and accessible to diverse audiences, irrespective of their prior knowledge of design. Their input led to the concept of the museum as a 'third space' – an open environment for community, learning, creation, and discovery, rather than a conventional exhibition-only venue. This philosophy underscores the belief that a design museum should not only exhibit design but also actively utilize, test, and embody it, serving as a publicly accessible hub for local communities.

The historic core of the museum, centered around the Hotel de Coninck, featured an inner courtyard that was underutilized. The new architectural additions strategically transform this courtyard into the museum's central point and a vibrant garden, enhancing visitor flow and orientation. The overall masterplan meticulously balances conservation with innovative construction. Historic interiors have been carefully restored, while later additions have been adapted to optimize space and climate control. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability, with materials being reused wherever feasible.

The new wing seamlessly connects the existing buildings, creating a cohesive visitor experience structured around welcoming, open, and adaptable zones. The basement houses an art-handling area, offering visitors a glimpse into the museum's operational side. The journey continues through various dedicated spaces: the Stadskamer for reception and retail, the Forum for lectures, the Atelier for workshops, and the Vitrine for temporary exhibitions. On the fourth floor, the Loft provides an event space with panoramic views of Ghent.

Architecturally, the new wing respects its historical surroundings. Its brick dimensions mirror those of the Hotel de Coninck, and its lighter tone complements the houses along Drabstraat. The design references Ghent's traditional guild houses and merchant homes, integrating harmoniously with the urban fabric. A notable feature is the facade, constructed from Gent Waste Brick. These lime-cured bricks, made from local municipal waste without firing, significantly reduce the environmental impact. Over 82,000 such bricks were produced locally at Het Arsenaal in Ghent, a process that was publicly documented.

The revitalized Design Museum Gent stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural intervention and community-centric design. By blending rich history with contemporary vision, the museum has redefined its role, becoming a dynamic space where design is not just observed but experienced, fostering a deeper connection between the institution and its visitors. This project reinforces the museum's commitment to sustainability and its dedication to serving as an interactive cultural beacon within Ghent's historic landscape.

A Visionary Fusion: Art, Architecture, and Public Space

A Grand Reopening and the 'Agravitas' Addition

On Monday, October 5, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum celebrated its grand reopening, showcasing a remarkable architectural endeavor. The centerpiece of this renovation is the dramatic new extension, aptly named 'Agravitas.' This striking addition appears to float effortlessly, spanning 55 meters above the museum's original structures. Its design ensures that the existing buildings remain undisturbed, focusing instead on their meticulous restoration.

Revitalizing Public Engagement and Accessibility

The innovative design by Foster + Partners has created a new enclosed plaza, which is envisioned as the vibrant social heart of the museum. This public space is freely accessible at ground level, fostering a stronger connection between the institution and the community. A significant achievement of the project is the reopening of the original 1940s entrance, facing the city square, which had been closed for many decades. This reinstatement re-establishes a historical link and welcomes visitors through a familiar, yet renewed, gateway.

Expanded Artistic Horizons: The New Column-Free Gallery

At the pinnacle of the 'Agravitas' structure lies a vast, new gallery space. Designed without intrusive columns, this expansive area offers unparalleled flexibility for exhibiting diverse artworks. This addition significantly increases the museum's display capacity, allowing for richer and more varied exhibitions, further cementing its role as a premier destination for fine arts.