library almelo

“ As an uncompromising,
spectacular and innovative
piece of modern architecture,
it perfectly represents
the ambitions of the client
as well as being a pretty fair
refl ection of Döll’s own desires.”
Wallpaper Sept/Okt 1996
Public Library - Almelo
Client: Stichting Openbare
Bibliotheek Almelo
Consultants: Adviesbureau de
Bondt b.v., Rijssen
(construction)
Raadgevend
ingenieursbureau
Schreuder b.v.,
Apeldoorn
(installations)
Contractor: Aannemersbedrijf
Goossen, Almelo
Area: 4780 m2 b.v.o.
Design: 1991-1992
Execution: 1993-1994
This is a project of Henk Döll from his Mecanoo time.
library almelo
a building that unites
As the location for its new public library, the municipality of Almelo chose a site
opposite the city hall, which was the last design by the De Stijl architect J.J.P. Oud. Both
the vicinity of the latter building and the complexity of the urban surroundings turned
the whole project into a challenge.

cross section
2 nd floor
1 st floor
ground floor
As the location for its new public library, the
municipality of Almelo chose a site opposite the city
hall, which was the final design of the De Stijl architect
J.J.P. Oud. Not only the vicinity of the latter building
but also the complexity of the urban surroundings
and the ambitious programme were the ingredients
of a very challenging project.
The building consists of two volumes in a split-level
arrangement apparent in the section, separated
by an open space. The relatively narrow separating
void is crisscrossed by staircases which interconnect
different levels and which make it possible to
apprehend the dynamic of the interior spaces.
The volumes are all distinct in their shape and
materials. The somewhat receding transparent saw
tooth facade of the ground floor contrasts with the
closed character of the copper frontage on higher
floors.
By following the form of the street, the slightly curved,
copper-clad east facade is largely responsible for
the image of the library. The three self-enclosed,
smaller volumes terminate in a wide glass front of
one storey height. The zinc-clad roof structure facing
the city hall has the appearance of a separate
volume. The ultramarine finish of the end elevations
and the developing patination of the copper-clad
east facade enter into a respectful dialogue with
Oud’s building due to the contrasting materials.