St Felix Pakhuis Antwerpen library building architecture design interior view
Kristien Daem , Felix Pakhuis
Library Details
Basic Information
Type
Other institutions
Year of opening
2006
Total Cost
22,500,000 EUR
Location/Address
University / Institution
Address
Godefriduskaai 30
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium
Project Story
Main Motications and Objectives

The Felix Archives are housed in the 20,000 sq. m. Sint-Felix Warehouse, an icon of historical harbour architecture in Antwerp. Concrete containers have been built on its six storeys for the conservation of documents from the city’s archives. On the top floor, a new oak roof structure accommodates reading and study rooms around three large, well-lit light wells. Access to the building is via a semi-public internal street, which opens up at the ground floor, allowing the introduction of a series of commercial spaces. These were provided as shell and core spaces, allowing them to be subsequently fitted out by commercial franchisees. The addition of these spaces, allows the archives to become experienced as part of the wider commercial infrastructure of the city and give the public an opportunity to enjoy its robust, industrial architecture.

Characteristics/Description

Renovation and transformation of a historical warehouse into city archives

Publications
Awards
New Project Data
Type
Renovation
Competition
Yes / 1999
Architect/s

Total Floor Area
24,000 m2
Floor Area Open to Public
Shelving Capacity Open Stacks
Shelving Capacity Closed Stacks
30,000 linear meters
Number of Staff
Total Seating Capacity
225
Group Study Rooms
4
Individual Study Rooms

Opening
Late, Weekend
Additional Features
Special Rooms

On the top floor, a new oak roof structure accommodates reading and study rooms around three large, well-lit light wells. Access from the city is via a semi-public internal street, which opens up at the ground floor, allowing the introduction of a series of commercial spaces. These were provided as shell and core spaces, allowing them to be subsequently fitted out by commercial franchisees. The addition of these spaces, allows the archives to become experienced as part of the wider commercial infrastructure of the city and give the public an opportunity to enjoy its robust, industrial architecture.

Special Features
Additional Comments