boekentoren

​Inspired by Gent’s finest tower, this book shelf echoes Van de Velde’s vision; putting knowledge first in though thoughtful form.

Books are showcases of knowledge that deserve respect and care. Readers want to balance preservation with accesibility and aesthetic display interior appeal.

Placed in direct sunlight, the back of the books degrade faster then the rest. While the patina of an old book is precious, you want to age them trough uniform conservation.

By turning the book spines away from direct sunlight, they rest in an even shadow, preserved under consistent conditions. Extending the vertical lines creates an additional shadow edge that further protects the books. This approach reverses the traditional logic of shelving systems, where horizontal lines usually define the structure.

The resulting vertical rhythm and proportions evoke the sense of a book tower, reminiscent of Henri Van de Velde’s “book tower” vision of a centre of knowledge.