ABSTRACT
The Belgian Royal Library, situated on Brussels Mont des Arts, is an impressive monumental building. Two competitions for the new library were organized in 1937–8, with Brussels- and Paris-trained architect Maurice Houyoux winning the final one. The urban and architectural design of the project was the result of a long process that started with two design competitions. For the interior design and furnishings of the new library, the Albert I Library Fund chose to work with the Flemish furniture firm Kortrijkse Kunstwerkstede Gebroeders De Coene. Inspired by the combined post-war aspirations, activities, and technical expertise of Liebaers, Neerman, De Coene, Houyoux, and Delers, the interiors Houyoux had originally envisaged for the Royal Library were replaced with more straightforward modern versions featuring locally designed furniture and items from the Knoll catalog. To optimize the connections between visitors, books, and personnel, a technically sophisticated distribution center was installed in the heart of the main reading room.
