To mark the 20th anniversary of Bibliotheek Permeke, we set to work on a poetic facade design at De Coninckplein. In collaboration with city poet Esohe Weyden, we brought a poem into the public space that reflects the rich, multicultural fabric of the city.

We aimed to create a facade that not only stands out, but also invites passers-by to slow down, reflect and feel connected. Our intention was not simply to place a poem on a wall, but to turn it into a spatial experience. We highlighted several lines in red, contrasting with the rest in black. These deliberate accents introduce rhythm and layering, allowing certain phrases to carry meaning on their own, while also sparking curiosity to explore the poem as a whole.

We looked for ways to bring the design into dialogue with its surroundings. The poem is visible from the square and reflects onto the building opposite, adding an extra dimension. This reflection makes the text feel dynamic, reinforcing the idea that the poem moves with the city, its residents and its visitors.

With this project, we sought to show how graphic design can create space for words, stories and identities. And how poetry can find its place in the public realm – tangible, visible and inviting.