The Board of Governors of the University of Ghent has decided to initiate a project for the complete restoration of the University Library and the former Hoger Instituut voor Kunstgeschiedenis en Oudheidkunde, given the buildings' exceptional cultural-historical value. The complex was constructed between 1936 and c. 1947 and has a total surface area of c. 20,000 sq. m. It is a masterpiece by Henry van de Velde (1863-1967) and has been protected by Royal Decree since 1st July 1992.

The complex has been in a dilapidated condition for years, both structurally and technically. The university aims to restore and update the buildings while maintaining respect for the authenticity and quality of the monument. The University Library must be able to fulfil its role as a supportive resource for research and education, in the best possible circumstances. It will be extremely important to analyse and optimise how the library functions, and to logically organize the flow of people and of books. In addition to the University Library, the complex also houses a department of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy.

The design contract includes:
1. An architectural-historical study, aimed at determining the original structure of the buildings and gaining an insight into the monument's structural and technical problems. It is expected that this will be an extensive study, based on archive materials and an historical evaluation of the structures and their materials.
2. A master plan, with the purpose of outlining a framework for further organizing the commission for a study and the restoration procedure. This plan should include a study of the relationship between the complex and the surrounding buildings and sites.
3. A commission for a study, comprised of the architecture contract (including the landscaping study, interior layout and the coordination of all studies) + the Structural stability study + the study of special techniques.

The multidisciplinary design team is expected to have experience with projects of a similar magnitude and organizational complexity, as well as with projects that reconcile restoration with contemporary modifications. Upon submission of their candidacy, the design team must provide a report of the partners to be involved in completing the overall project.