Lecture by noAarchitects, the winning design team for a larger S.M.A.K.

The temporary association noAarchitects, David Kohn Architects with Asli Çiçek may design the extension and renovation of the S.M.A.K.. This first design proposal includes a second museum building, for the permanent collection. The entrance to both museum buildings will be in the Floralia Hall, which will have a central role in Citadel Park.

Through an Open Call by the Flemish Master Builder, the S.M.A.K. and urban development company sogent started looking for a design team for the renewal and extension of the museum in the summer of 2023. In the autumn, from 53 submissions, five teams were selected to submit a design proposal. The jury's choice fell on the temporary association of noAarchitects, David Kohn Architects with Asli Çiçek.


Additional museum building

The winning design proposal best answers the demand for two museum buildings that are 'guests in the park': the S.M.A.K. hall, which houses the current museum, and the Collections House, on the site of the former 'casino head' that is not currently in use. In that new Collection House, the permanent collection, now of necessity in the depot, can be displayed. It can accommodate 500 pieces. Both buildings overlook both the Floralia Hall in between and Citadel Park all around. Large windows and balconies create an open feeling. The buildings remain sufficiently low and integrate nicely into the park.

New entrance

In the design proposal, the experience of Citadel Park is paramount. The museum buildings are like pavilions in the greenery. The design team's choice to move the museum entrance to the Floralia Hall was greatly appreciated by the jury. This helps ensure that the Floralia Hall, as in 1913, will again play a central role in the park, between and in line with both buildings. Both museum buildings open onto the hall with inviting staircases and terraces.

"It is important that the homework is done so that the next board can start working on these plans right away. Keeping the S.M.A.K. as it is today is not an option. The building is an energy guzzler and the collection cannot be displayed in optimal conditions. Through this plan, the 'casino head' and the historic Floralia Hall may get a new function after many years of vacancy."

- Sami Souguir, Alderman for Urban Development and chairman sogent

"By embedding the museum more in the park, S.M.A.K. becomes a place where, as a visitor, you are involved in the dialogue between permanent collection and the present. Indeed, the museum's role is to help imagine the future, to enable debate and conversation, to differ with each other on the role and significance of a museum in an urban fabric."

- Philippe Van Cauteren, artistic director S.M.A.K.