Library Buildings around the World

Corlaer 2 College, Nijkerk (Prov. Gelderland) – The Netherlands 2006
(BNA Building of The Year 2007 East)
Corlaer 2 is a school for general secondary and pre-university education in Nijkerk. Small-scale, identifiable, safety, teamwork,
integration of teaching domains and learning by means of learning are distinguishing marks of the concept. Inside the characteristic
knowledge canyon at the centre of the Corlaer 2 College bridges and a central staircase smoothly connect the split-level floors to each
other. The ideal base for a progressive independent study centre concept based on the idea of the open plan office. Work spaces for
working in teams are linked to individual and joint silent rooms which are crossed by relaxation isles. To learn from and with each
other in an inspiring environment in which for individual differences in learning (extrovert / introvert) a place inside the building
will be reserved. The programme is based on a modern education concept in which teaching domains consist of a small number of
traditional classrooms and a series of study spaces for more or less individual education. It is expected that the Corlaer 2 College will
house 800 pupils in the future. Therefore the central services such as auditorium, ckv-drawing, music education and binas / toa are
ready for these numbers. A possible extension will then only concern classrooms and individual study rooms. The split-levels inside
the building strongly support the desired teaching methods and education concept. Teams can easily be enlarged or scaled down. The
floors no longer form an obstacle because education domains simply run through the entire building; from floor 1 to floor 4. The
façades are a statement against austerity and evenness. The playful division is a translation to the new education concept. It is based
on the idea to utilise the differences between pupils which would yield more motivated pupils with higher results. (Broek)
Bibliotheek Rotterdam, Rotterdam – The Netherlands 1999 – 2004
9.500 m²
FROM BOOK CASE TO KNOWLEDGE MARKET
During a period of twelve years the character of the Municipal Library Rotterdam has changed. At the necessary, profound
renovation we took care of the architectural aspects (Gemeentsbibliotheek Rotterdam 1977-1983, Jap Bakema 1914-1981). Counters,
toilet facilities, conference rooms and showcases were renewed or added by us. At the beginning of the eighties we also designed the
building to which later on also the Central Discotheque Rotterdam and the Information Centre Rotterdam have been moved. A
profound new thought on the function and renovation were therefore needed. We used the altered way of consuming information as
a guideline for the new interior arrangement. At the first half of the nineties the surrounding area changed considerably. Nowadays
the Binnenrotteplein two days per week serves as a market ground. Inside the building this market square transforms into an
internal information square. Renovation also served as a way of getting rid of lack of maintenance and nuisance. During the
operation that was carried out in phases the library building could be kept open.
Large fixed elements work as an intermediary between the large building and the loose mobile inventory. The counters and toilet
facilities give structure to the spaces and give them dimension. Striking use of colour gives accents to the interior arrangement. At
ground floor level by means of situating new counters and toilet facilities a natural separation of logistic streams is created.
A new room on the first floor is specially designed for presentations. When the large pivoting doors of practically entirely matt glass
are opened, the space is transformed into the library space. The ‘stadsstudiehuis’ at the upper floor provides a quiet working
environment. Here young and older people make use of the working spaces, which vary from small meeting rooms to individual
computer working spaces. (Broek)
BurgerGrundstra architecten adviseurs, Alkmaar – The Netherlands
http://www.burgergrunstra.nl
2010 changed their name to; SEE Architects
http://www.seedarchitects.nl
Libraries:
Cultureel en Educatief Centrum “De Binding”, Langedijk – The Netherlands 2007-2008
GFA: 9.600M2, Construction Costs: € 11.200.000 EX TAXES
Opposite the municipalty building of Langedijk a new Cultural and Educational Centre is going to be realised.
This Centre will house a high school, a library, a music school and an artist´s gallery, a toy library and a youth
activity centre. These functions are enclosed within retangular islands which are connected by a north-South
orientated street. The main entrance lies at the beginning of this street and is signposted by an prominent cone
shaped volume. The percussion room from the music school is situated in this volume. An auditorium for the
high school is positioned at the other end of the street and can also be used for theatrical production. This
auditorium is a round volume and half of its sits in water and it also looks over the surrounding polder
landscape. (Burger)
see also: Hanrath Architect
Butzelaar Van Son Architecten, Amsterdam – The Netherlands
http://www.butzelaarvanson.nl
Libraries:
Library / Supermarket, Ijmuiden – The Netherlands 2000
Literature:
Bouw 55,2000,9,pp. 38-41
Detail: Jg.55 no. 9 sept. pp.38-41
de Architecten Cie, Amsterdam – The Netherlands
http://www1.cie.nl
Libraries:
IJwijk community school, Hoofddorp (Gemeente Haarlemmermeer) – The Netherlands 2006
programme: two primary schools, sports hal, day-care centre, community centre, police station
date of commission: 2003, date of construction: 2005 – 2006, gross surface: 10.970 m², volume: 38.400 m³
The integrated community school is a part of the IJwijk Centrum, an urban development plan which was also designed by de
Architekten Cie. The school occupies two whole blocks that linked by the main hall of the community centre, the heart of the
complex. Besides the two primary schools and the community centre, the complex comprises a toddlers’ centre with two day-care
units, two playgroups, and three groups for after-school childcare, a sports hall, and a neighbourhood police post. The
multifunctional character of the complex is enhanced by the diversity of users taking full advantage of the collective spaces as well as
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