Civic Architects

LocHal Library

LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert

LOCHAL LIBRARY 

CIVIC architects + Braaksma & Roos architectenbureau + Inside Outside + Mecanoo

ARCHITECTS
Braaksma & Roos architectenbureau, CIVIC architects, Inside Outside, Mecanoo: CIVIC architects, Braaksma & Roos architectenbureau, Inside Outside, Mecanoo

LOCATION
Tilburg, The Netherlands

AREA
7000 m²

YEAR
2019

LEAD ARCHITECTS
CIVIC architects

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT
Arup

LEAD CONTRACTOR
Binx Smartility

LANDSCAPE
Donkergroen

INTERIOR CONCEPT
Inside Outside

INTERIOR DESIGN
Mecanoo

ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT
Arup

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
Stevens van Dijck Bouwmanagers & Adviseurs

MECHANICAL CONSULTANT
Arup

CONSULTANTS
VDNDP Structural Engineers, F. Wiggers Ingenieursbureau, ABT Wassenaar, SOM, Linneman

MANUFACTURERS
Jansen, Mombarg, Breedveld Paneelwanden, Facadis Gevelbouw, Gieskes, JetBik, Jonkers, Klein Poelhuis, Staalbouw ter Huurne, Vitriwand

Text description provided by architect.

The LocHal redefines the library typology. It has already been coined ‘the next big thing in public libraries’ by experts.

While keeping traditional ‘book consumer’ facilities, the new library also provides ample opportunity for the creation of new knowledge. The growing importance of ‘Curatorship’ is facilitated by the architecture.

LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

The interaction with experts and other visitors offers a deeper, richer way to acquire knowledge and information. That’s why the building acts as a covered public space, housing amenities shared by the library, arts organisations and co-working facilities. 

In addition to areas for lectures and public events, the building has a number of ‘labs’ where visitors can learn new skills.

LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

The architecture is a reinterpretation of the originalrew building, dating from 1932. The main structure determines the rhythm and language of the new architecture. Perhaps the most conspicuous feature of the building is its sheer size.

With a footprint of 90 x 60 metres and a height of 15 metres, it is both imposing and inviting. The entrance hall takes on the form of a covered city square with large reading tables (doubling as podia), an exhibition area and a coffee kiosk.

LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

Space folds up into broad steps which can be used by individuals or as event seating for over one thousand spectators.

The spaciousness is strengthened by diagonal sightlines across the interior, enabled by smart engineering; the library capitalizes the existing structure, thereby greatly minimizing the amount of new structural elements.

LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

An ingenious system of climate zones preserves the openness of the building; heating visitors in key contact zones and not entire spaces.

It was this mentality that made it possible to preserve the LocHal building as one large usable volume, rather than inserting closed volumes or replacing it altogether.

LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

From the entrance hall, the landscape of stairs leads visitors up towards the peripheral galleries which allows one to browse books or retreat into one of the quieter reading areas.

Higher up, the filtered rooflight and the refined details of the structure creates a more ephemeral atmosphere. A large balcony offers panoramic views over the city.

LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie

Six grand textile screens enable flexible separation of areas and improve acoustics. These screens, with a surface area of 4125 m2, can be repositioned in numerous configurations.

They can, for example, be moved to separate the co-working area from the higher library floors, or across one of the staircases to create a small, semi-private auditorium; complete with suitable acoustics and lighting.

LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert

Together with the black steel columns and concrete floors, they enrich the existing spatial system. The materials reveal their characteristic textures when viewed at close hand.

During the day, abundant daylight creates intricate shadow patterns. After dark, the building is turned ‘inside out’, with the interior becoming an inviting beacon in the city.

LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert


LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
LocHal Library


LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert


LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Stijn Bollaert
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie
LocHal Library
© Ossip Architectuurfotografie



LocHal Library
via Civic Architects
LocHal Library
via Civic Architects
LocHal Library
via Civic Architects


LocHal Library
via Civic Architects
LocHal Library
via Civic Architects
LocHal Library
via Civic Architects


LocHal Library
via Civic Architects
LocHal Library
via Civic Architects

Civic Architects
T +31 20 8460158
Civic Architects
Gebouw West, Donauweg 10, 1043 AJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Braaksma & Roos Architects BV
T +31 70 3615363
Braaksma & Roos Architects BV
Toussaintkade 52, 2513 CL Den Haag, Netherlands
Mecanoo
T +31 15 2798100
Mecanoo
Oude Delft 203, 2611 HD Delft, Netherlands