This architectural work of art is a unique meeting place for residents, students and visitors. The imposing building is located in a place formerly called "Waalse Krook", in a bend ("krook") of the Scheldt, where ships brought coal from Wallonia.
You can meet others, soak up culture, have a quiet drink or get started with innovations and technologies such as 3D printing and virtual reality. In addition to people, the building also connects the Historical Center and the Arts Quarter.
Various institutions offer their services on the site. Together they are called "the residents of Krook". In addition to the city library, Imec (Flemish research center for nanoelectronics and digital technologies), Ghent University and Urgent.fm also have their place at De Krook.
The building also includes a multipurpose room, a reading room and a reading café.
Nice piece of architecture
The monumental building, with art integration by artist Michaël Borremans, was designed by the Ghent architectural firm Coussée & Goris architects and their partner TV RCR Aranda Pigem Vilalta Arquitectes. This Spanish architecture firm also received the Pritzker Prize this year, the highest international award for architecture!
Seating on the water
At the bend of the Scheldt there is a quay promenade, Nelson Mandelapromenade, with seating space. Moorings are provided for pleasure craft and taxi boats. The quays and surroundings have been given more greenery and are a perfect place to escape the bustle of the city.
source: visitgent