ABSTRACT
The Booktower complex, the central library of Ghent University (1933–1947), is a celebrated masterpiece of modernist architect Henry van de Velde. In addition, the tower also counts as one of the first European towers in reinforced concrete, next to several other noteworthy structural and technical achievements. This paper revisits the process of designing and building the Booktower, evaluating the architect’s collaborations with engineers including Gustave Magnel and Jean-Norbert Cloquet but also the contributions of skilled contractors like Gillion and Van Pottelbergh, specialists in the use of reinforced concrete. This paper scrutinizes the collaborations in the design team by assessing contracts, plans, correspondence and other archival materials. The research develops a rich perspective on the respective roles of architects, engineers and contractors, demonstrating how their collaboration was largely conditioned by the university and how each came up with state-of-the art methods to meet the challenges of the project.
