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From Restoration to Heritage: Robbrecht and Daem Architects’ Archive Moves to the Boekentoren

Many know Robbrecht and Daem Architects for the restoration of Henry van de Velde’s iconic Boekentoren. Today, as the Ghent-based practice celebrates its 50th anniversary, it takes a new step: its own archive will now be housed in this architectural masterpiece. The choice is a logical one. The Boekentoren meets the highest standards of heritage conservation and management, and it offers the expertise to make the archive sustainably accessible for research, education, exhibitions, and publications.

Over the years, Robbrecht and Daem have built up a rich archive of more than 600 projects in Belgium and abroad: from private residences to public buildings and international commissions. The archive is a living entity—future projects will continue to be added.

Part of a larger story

By joining the Boekentoren collection, the Robbrecht and Daem archive connects to the tradition of preserving Ghent-related heritage (Gandavensia) but also through close collaboration with the Department of Art, Music, and Theatre Sciences, the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the Vandenhove Centre. It also complements the archives of artists such as Raoul De Keyser, Jan Vercruysse, and René Heyvaert, as well as those of 19th-century architects Louis Roelandt and Louis Minard. This addition brings a valuable architectural dimension to the Boekentoren’s collections, alongside the original archive of Van de Velde’s own design of the tower.

Step-by-Step Transfer

Due to its scale, the archive will be transferred in phases. Each file is carefully organized and repackaged before entering the Boekentoren. Seven projects have already been delivered, including: Documenta IX/Aue Pavilions (1992, Kassel), Galerie Greta Meert (1989, Brussel) en Theatergarden Bestiarium (1988, New York).

The files include architectural drawings, sketches, correspondence, photographs, tender documents, press clippings, and more. For now, only the physical archives have been transferred; the digital collection will follow later.

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