Renewed Design museum reopens after intense construction works, Ghent (BE)

After four years of renovations and expansion works, the Design Museum in Ghent reopened its doors to the public on Saturday 3 October. Lots of festivities in and around the museum and Ghent are organised to celebrate the opening of the renewed museum.

The museum consists of a newly built wing, called DING (Design in Ghent) and connects the existing buildings of the museum with additional exhibition space for a more accessible, continuous loop for visitors. DING will host temporary presentations, workshops, lectures and events with room for art handling, logistics and also a new shop and catering space. The renewed museum has a total of 6.500 square meters and up to 3.700 square meters of exhibition space.

Ney & Partners was responsible for the structural design of DING and the local interventions in the existing building upgrading it to current standards. The new wing has a coherent structure, combining large spans with high load capacity. Ribbed timber floors reduce material use while serving as a visually appealing finish. By leaving structural elements exposed, construction is simplified and accelerated, while the carefully detailed structure provides a calm backdrop for the exhibition.

Architects: ATAMA in collaboration with Carmody Groarke and REST

Credits images: Michiel De Cleene – Werkpaard – Ney & Partners