Library Buildings around the World

provide a platform for education, sports, cultural and work opportunities. The central question raised while designing the campus
was the ideas of “connections”: how does the design of this campus connect to the surrounding areas of the neighborhood, while still
acting as a cluster of buildings and spaces that are uniquely related to one another ? How will each building maintain its own
character, while still allowing for common activities to occur within the general public space of the campus ? (Arets)
Universiteitsbibliotheek Utrecht – The Netherlands 1997 - 2004
The UBU, comparable to a data recorder, is more than a place where people can consult books, it is a place where they can work in a
concentrated fashion, but also one where they can meet other people without the need of any other stimulation exept the atmosphere
that the building radiates. The book depots, which seem to float, divide the space into zones and are interconnected by stairs and
slopes. All in black figured concrete on which a partly double-glazed façade to which a silk-screened figurative pattern has been
applied in order to let natural light into the building encases the reading rooms rest. The glass façade also encloses the car park like a
smooth skin, thereby making it an integral part of the complex. On one side it is the university site where the view from the raw
interior offers a filtered prospect of the open countryside surrounding it, on the other, there is the view of the long slopes situated
beside the inner courtyard that work as blinds to filter the view of the car park. Based on the idea that silent communication is
important in a building where there is hardly any talking, the atmosphere is determined with an emphasis on creating a sense of
security. That was essential for the choice of a black interior. A light, shiny floor provides enough reflection of natural or artificial
light to illuminate some of the 42 million books that are on open shelves, while the long white tables make it possible to read a book
or to consult electronic information without too much effort. The individual workplace with full facilities is the key element, and has
been positioned in such a way that the user´s choice of a workplace also determines the degree of communication with other users.
Absorption versus confrontation, working in a concentrated way versus communication, is the main premises in this library where
the infrastructure has more than one function. The route is also programmed by it, since the bar, the lounge area, the reception
corner, the auditorium, the desks, all fitted with red rubber and other programmes such as shops, add an extra dimension to the
route, thereby breaking down the mono-functionality of the library program. (Arets)
Artès bureau voor architectuur en interieur, Groningen – The Netherlands
http://www.artes.nl
Libraries:
Cultureel Centrum, Zuidhorn – The Netherlands 2007
In South Horn in 2008 a new Cultural Center (CCZ) was established: a beautiful building in the village where all sorts of disciplines
in the field of culture and welfare have been brought together. Thus, the library, art Westerkwartier Companies (formerly the
music) and the offices of the St. Welfare Zuidhorn housed therein. The multifunctional character of the building is enhanced by a
large foyer serving a variety of activities, several meeting rooms and an enclosed courtyard. The municipality has Zuidhorn
operation and management of the building over to a foundation (Foundation Cultural Center South Horn).
(http://www.cultureelcentrumzuidhorn.nl)
Daan ter Avest, Amsterdam – The Netherlands
see: Maas Architecten: http://www.maasarchitectuur.nl
http://www.daanteravest.nl
Libraries:
Bibliotheek Beursplein, Hengelo – The Netherlands 2004
see: Maas Architecten
Next to the library and services make an apartment building and an office wing part of the complex. By different parts in volume
and shape and align the use of materials creates a unit within the existing urban network. Furthermore, light a big role in the final
design. The new public library Hengelo will rise to the cultural street fair, which also is the new theater. The new location and
enhanced with new features the library's role in the cultural hub network of Hengelo. The design is a contemporary concept for this.
The ground floor has space for various public functions, a grand cafe, internet cafe, a tourist cum ANWB and the studio of Radio
Hengelo. All these functions are all the new information. The library itself is on the floor. A robotic system automatically imported
from Sweden will be in the library Hengelo in the Netherlands make its debut. (http://www.architectenweb.nl)
BDG Architecten Ingenieurs, Almere – Haarlem – Zwolle – The Netherlands
http://www.bdgarchitecten.nl
Libraries:
mfa (Multifunctioneel Centrum) Veluvine, Nunspeet (Prov. Gelderland) – The Netherlands 2009
At the spot where the paint factory in the past Veluvine stood under the same name, a multifunctional accommodation achieved. The
design unites a very diverse program, including a secondary school, sports halls, a theater, a cinema, a library, a music school and a
regional training center in a building. The chosen concept ensures that the comprehensive program in a natural way to the green
space suits. The building can be conceived as a village in miniature: all components are in a central area. The lobed design a
structure for building and grab the green, gently rolling terrain together. Parking in the hilly terrain under the building and realized
the school rooftop. This allows the site as a green landscape are performed. The chosen materials and detailing, such as brown-black
mixed with relief brickwork, fit the rural character of the building. The design is a clear and systematic manner designed so that all
programs share a natural way together. (BDG)
Benthem Crouwel Architects, Amsterdam, Aachen – The Netherlands
http://www.benthemcrouwel.nl
Libraries:
Gerrit Rietveld Academie, Bibliotheek, Amsterdam – The Netherlands 2003
The Gerrit Rietveld Academie occupies two buildings: the main building, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, and the new building from
2003, designed by the architectural firm Benthem Crouwel Architects.
The Rietveld Building
The main building was designed by architect and furniture designer Gerrit Rietveld between 1950 and 1963 and completed in 1966.
It is the largest of Gerrit Rietveld’s buildings. There was a long period of preparation between its commission and its completion,
during which important developments took place in Rietveld’s way of designing. Gerrit Rietveld did not live to see the building’s
completion, as he passed away while construction was still going on. The academy moved into the building in 1967. When the school
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