Library Buildings around the World

Awards:
2006, Nominated for the Kasper Salin Award
2006, The Architecture Prize of the Municipality of Halmstad
2007, Awarded the Helgjutet-prize from Swedish Concrete Industry
Halmstad Library is set within a park next to the Nissan River, overlooking the historic centre of Halmstad. With its atrium
encircling a large existing chestnut tree becoming its fulcrum and the long concave facade with double-height glazing
distended between the seemingly floating floor-plates, nature, the seasons and the city all become part of the library.
Inside, the library is essentially a single open space, flexible and highly legible: an open structure which allows an active
interplay between the columns and the trees outside. The double-height glazing of the concave façade creates a welcoming,
transparent ambience. The atrium is the focal point that creates an instant overview and connects the library’s three floors
vertically. Surrounding the atrium is the information plaza: a dynamic zone containing the reception area, computer
terminals, exhibitions, a café, and stairs to the balcony and the stacks in the basement. Around this zone looking out in the
direction of the façade and the views, the various sections unfurl, breathing their own tranquil atmosphere, affording users
space to ponder or be drawn in.
The library is extended across the wide expanse of the Nissan River like a bridge linking the historic part of town and the
new urban development area, formerly divided by the river for hundreds of years. A square in front of the library creates a
new urban space which can host a range of civic activities.
The library is constructed of few and simple materials: concrete, glass and Nordic larch flooring that interact effectually with
the exterior surroundings. The Library is raised above street level on a forest of columns echoing the trees surrounding the
building. The grass roof of the building is a sustainable solution, reducing UV penetration and the need for drainage, as well
as providing additional insulation. (Schmidt)
Växö City Library, Västra Esplanaden, Växö – Sweden 2003
Client: Växjö Municipality, Area: 3,850 m2 new build, 3,100 m2 conversion, Construction sum: € 9.8 million excl. VAT
Competition: 2000, 1st prize in restricted international competition, Status: Construction period 2001 – 2003, Engineer:
Moe & Brødsgaard A/S, Landscape Architect: schmidt hammer lassen architects, Interior design: shldesign
Awards:
SAJK Architecture Prize 2005
Kroneborg County Architecture Award 2005
Växö Municipality´s Prize 2004
Nominated for the Kasper Salin Award 2004
Växjö City Library sits in the cultural centre of the city and comprises a new build extension and a sensitive refurbishment
of architect Erik Uluot’s building from 1965. The extension is an independent circular volume that matches up with the
existing square library.
With a base of light-toned natural stone terminated at the top by an unbroken band of glass, the new building appears as a
simple, balanced juxtaposition of stone and glass. Visual weight below and an apparent lightness above – exactly like its
sister building but with the order reversed. The interconnecting building sensitively mediates contact between the circular
building and its quadratic counterpart.
The circular atrium is the new building’s unifying element. Extending up through the library’s three storeys, long flights of
straight-run stairs present a linear contrast to the geometry of the circle. Between the atrium and the building’s façade are
the library’s many functions located, positioned as freestanding furniture pieces on the light-toned wooden floors at each
level. (Schmidt)
SRL Architects (Søren Robert Lund ), Copenhagen – Denmark
see: NORD Architects, Ordrup Multihal & Bibliotek
Transform Architecture + Urbanism, Århus – Denmark
http://www.transform.dk
Libraries:
Cultural Center and Library NordVest, Copenhagen – Denmark 2011
A bright and beautiful building on top of Bispebjerg in the northwest part of Copenhagen, shaped like a staggered stack of books,
has become the first integrated arts centre and library of its kind in Denmark.
The building includes a traditional library, spacious meeting rooms, café and lounge areas, and a computer workshop.
"This new library and cultural centre will be a gathering spot in Bispebjerg," said the City of Copenhagen in the competition
announcement. "The ambition is to create a unique framework for cultural reflection and development that can generate energy and
strengthen community life."
The building is designed by a consortium of Brødrene Andersen, COBE, Transform, Wessberg and Schønherr.
Books give the building its shape
Architects took into consideration the flexible and alternative functions of a library. The new complex can be seen as a stack of
books-form imitating function. The staggered "books" are large open spaces with glass walls.
The architects integrated the two cultural institutions with a network of catwalks and other connections. The surprising location of
the conference room at the very top of the building is expected to produce a large flow of people up and down the foyer-staircase
system, a tide that will emphasize life in the building.
A hub potential
The project is an extension of the district's existing cultural foundation, and will house a combination of the area's two libraries-
Ørnevej and Vænget-in a new, modern library. Additionally, the project will accommodate additional cultural facilities. The City of
Copenhagen believes the project has huge potential for the entire Northwest quarter. The cultural centre on the hill will act as a
neighbourhood gathering place, and a beacon of knowledge for the city at large. (http://www.dac.dk)
15