Library Buildings around the World

Block 3 in Almere´s new city centre includes the public library,thirty owner-occupied flats, ground-floor shop units and space
capacity for the library. As long as this space capacity remains unused, it will be let to service providers. The block has a triangular
ground plan and consists of two sections: (1) a triangular four-storey base containing the shops, the library and the space capacity,
and (2) a rectangular five-storey block of flats rising from the south-east corner. The block is sculptural in form, with angled
asymmetrical façades, recesses and cavities. As seen from above it has a hole in the centre, with an enclosed open-air garden
seperating the shops, the library and the spare capacity. There is no front or back to the building in the traditional sense – each
façade is autonomous. With its apex projecting onto Stadthuisplein and its tall (eight-metre) entrance, the building is a striking piece
of architecture and urban design and a prominent feature of the cityscape. OMA designed the heart of the new city centre on two
levels, an architectural device that serves to separate shoppers from other traffic. Beneath the sloping level is a second level for other
road users, with festures including separate bus and car lanes and ample parking space for cars, supplier´s vehicles and bicycles.
Block 3 is on the edge of one of the slopes on the angled upper level. This level slopes from north to south, with a 6-metre change in
height up the angle. The increase in height within Block 3, from the north to the south façade, is 4.2 metres. This means that the
various changes in height have been compensated for and resolved within the building. The solutions are visually reflected in the
interiore of the building as well as its façades. (Meyer)
University of Amsterdam (UvA), Science Faculty, Library – The Netherlands 2003 – 2009
Programme: Laboratories, storerooms, workspaces, dispatch bay, library, study centre and offices located in the Science Park in
Watergraafsmeer in Amsterdam. Ca. 15,500 m² gfa
The new building for the University of Amsterdam’s Science Centre (FNWI) is the product of a collaboration between
Architectuurstudio HH, MVSA, and Rudy Uytenhaak Architectenbureau, which acted as the coordinating architect.
The idea is that the combination of divergent architectural styles produces a complex that will offer the staff and students of the
different science disciplines a shared home with a variety of places and characters. Each of the three sections has its own identity.
The wing designed by MVSA is an accumulation of three programmatic elements. At ground floor the support services. The first
floor, reached via a wide staircase from the central hall, contains the most public functions - the library and study centre. The spaces
here spill over into one another, creating a landscape of widely different forms and uses, from the central student plaza with service
desks and the ‘sciences’ lounge, to the hushed, monastic-style study spaces which were fitted out by MVSA. The third programmatic
component consists of three floors of flexible laboratory spaces, which could be converted into offices if needed. The laboratories are
situated directly across from the office floors designed by Uytenhaak. Devided by the lightwell is which floods the space with natural
light. The elevations reflect the vertical organization of the wing. On the ground and first floors the glazing is floor to ceiling. On the
laboratory side the window band is much narrower in the interests of a stable internal climate. The closed facade panels carry a
pattern of black burls that are an abstract representation of microscopic images of skin cells.
The University of Amsterdam is realizing the Faculty of Science (FNWI) in the St. Annapolder, Watergraafsmeer. After judging the
limited competition the panel selected to combine the designs of three participating architects. As a result a design consortium was
formed lead by Rudy Uytenhaak as the coordinating architect together with the offices of Herman Hertzberger and Meyer and Van
Schooten. The new science building is designed as a whole and internally divided into four sections. Parts 1 and 4 designed by
Uytenhaak, part 2 by Hertzberger and part 3 by Meyer en Van Schooten. The substructure contains public fuctions, the
supperstructure accommodates the more private fuctions of the variety of different faculties currently located on many locations
around Amsterdam into one single building. Therefore it is a critical that the design of the new building provides a unified front to
the user and visitor. Part 3, designed by Meyer and Van Schooten, has three sections. Is the complete ground floor which is equipped
with modern facilities for the Technical Department, Purchase and supply rooms. These essential processes become visible because
the façade is largely made of glass. On the first floor of part 3 the library and reading room are situated making the most public
area. The accompanying spaces flow into each other creating a great “landscape” where the students can concentrate on their
study or interact with other students. The study centre can be reached via a wide stairway in the entrance hall, which is central spine
of buildings. The 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th floor mainly contain laboratories and offices. Flexibility of these spaces were the starting-point of
the design since research processes are continuously subject to change. (Meyer)
Multifunctioneel Centrum “De Kristal”, Rotterdam-Nesselande – The Netherlands 2009
The Crystal is a multifunctional building with a distinctive architecture with a unique collaboration between many organizations and
institutions in the field of healthcare and culture. These are Humanitas, Rotterdam Library, community Alexander, Health
Nesselande, neighborhood organization WONIO, SONOR / Opbouwwerk, IJsselland Hospital and Pharmacy Nesselande.
MH1 architecten, Nuth – Netherlands
http://www.mh1architecten.nl
Libraries:
Bibliotheek Beek, Beek – The Netherlands 2008
Rebuilding and renovation of an existing library with a focus on improved entrance, reception, rental service for reading area,
children's department and new media like the Internet. The former entrance, which is reached through the road and thus not visible
from the street, was moved to the old service entrance to the highway and invites you to visit the new library. Modifications to the
exterior, including a longitudinal slot on the back window and the white stucco facade, contribute to the contemporary look of the
building. The monolithic cup oak desk accompanies the visitor from the entrance to the information desk. This desk will also
separates the public area and office spaces. The volume of office space, toilets and service areas, is cut loose from the exterior, and
thus stands as a free box in space. Are all subtly indicated for zoning including the youth section, the reading table, internet sites and
place for the reading classes, designed as a large circular bench around a deep-pile carpet with red accent color.
(http://www.architectenweb.nl)
Molenaar & Globex & Vandillem Architecten, Vught – The Netherlands
http://www.mbvda.nl
Libraries:
Apartements Hintham Lord, ´s-Hertogenbosch – The Netherlands on construction (2011)
Meet at the waterfront. On the former site of the old social-cultural center 'The Confession', 's-Hertogenbosch Hintham Lord is
being realized. The ambitious project will house a new library, a nursing home with 90 places and a day care, elderly support center
with a senior restaurant, 30 condominiums and 90 assisted living facilities. Much attention is given to the well-being. The atrium
consists mainly of glass and offers wonderful views of the lake. Settle in the central area including the library, the social cultural
center and a café. From the central part there are two branches in homes and offices, focused on water. The plan consists of three
"flared" building blocks. This sprawling structure provides insight into the pond from the Iron Child. This urban design creates
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