Library Buildings around the World

opening a route to the lower levels. This bump continues to slope downwards on both sides, dissecting the lower plate into
three areas with varying heights and depths: the lobby (on the Rand side of the building); the basement, with computer labs
and meeting areas (in the middle); and a 282-seat auditorium that gradually rises to a double-height space (on the Sibley
side). Like the upper plate, the auditorium has floor-to-ceiling windows, granting views both into the lecture theatre for
passersby and out of it for students. Outside the auditorium, a sunken garden, exhibition space and plaza extends to the
central, domed portion of Sibley Hall, reinforcing its importance and creating, for the first time, a coherent entry sequence
from the north into AAP. Milstein Hall's sheltering cantilevers, both to the north and the south east, similarly define new
areas of public space and encourage new ways to navigate the interlinked AAP. (OMA)
www.aap.cornell.edu
Seattle Central Library, Seattle, WA – USA 1999 – 2004
At a moment when libraries are perceived to be under threat from a shrinking public realm on one side and digitization on
the other, the Seattle Central Library creates a civic space for the circulation of knowledge in all media, and an innovative
organizing system for an ever-growing physical collection – the Books Spiral. The library's various programs are intuitively
arranged across five platforms and four flowing "in between" planes, which together dictate the building’s distinctive
faceted shape, offering the city an inspiring building that is robust in both its elegance and its logic. OMA's ambition is to
redefine the library as an institution no longer exclusively dedicated to the book, but rather as an information store where all
potent forms of media – new and old – are presented equally and legibly. In an age in which information can be accessed
anywhere, it is the simultaneity of media and (more importantly) the curatorship of its contents that will make the library
vital. Our first operation was to "comb" and consolidate the library's apparently ungovernable proliferation of programs
and media. We identified five "stable" programmatic clusters (parking, staff, meeting, Book Spiral, HQ) and arranged them
on overlapping platforms, and four "unstable" clusters (kids, living room, Mixing Chamber, reading room) to occupy
interstitial zones. Each area is architecturally defined and equipped for dedicated performance, with varying size, flexibility,
circulation, palette, and structure. (OMA)
ONX Architecten b.v., Hoffdorp – The Netherlands
http://www.onx-architecten.nl
Libraries:
Westfries Archief Bibliotheek, Hoorn – The Netherlands 2006
The Westfries Archives that besides the safe and under proper storage conditions of the collection, and it also publicly accessible.
This will be united in a closed building where the functions (depot) situated in a sculptural mass. One is about a "bubble" room to
put as a reading room, library, office spaces and desk functions. (ONX)
Pasel.Künzel Architects, Rotterdam – The Netherlands
http://www.paselkuenzel.com
Libraries:
Central Library Cork – UK 1 st . prize 2005, on design
4.500 m²
The new Central Library of Cork is carefully placed in his urban context by a highly flexible building design. The ribbon of
books fits every shape of a given plot. With this flexibility the building can smoothly adapt different edges of surrounding
buildings without loosing the quality of its use. This three storey high folding bookshelf contains the complete knowledge
and ‘wisdom’ of the library. In between the ribbon span the so-called bridges, holding the library’s special program.
The library generates a quiet ambience of concentration providing a monastery-like space with relaxing gardens and
introverted outdoor spaces. By this the library of the future will be and open and inviting house to everyone. (Pasel)
Atelier PRO Architecten B.V., Den Haag – The Netherlands
http://www.atelierpro.nl
Libraries:
Relocation of the Executive Location of the Police Academy, Library, Apeldoorn – The Netherlands 2002-
2010
See also Hanrath Architect
Client: College
Awards:
Winner of the Architecture Apeldoorn 2010
(jury-audience) Nomination Golden Phoenix 2011
These restoration and renovation of a former minor seminary in 1935 (national monument, architect Jan van Hardeveld), additional
construction, fixed and loose furniture of open learning center, restaurant and conference areas. The surrounding area is in
collaboration with landscape architects redesigned with a new parking facility. (Atelier Pro)
Hague University Square + , Den Haag - The Netherlands 2006 - 2007
The project gives the Hague University + Square after 10 years again a contemporary face. The square and the adjacent spaces in
the design modified and improved with the aim of achieving an atrium that meets the new requirements of the College states: the
atrium and heart and soul of The Hague University. The square has a parallel with a square. The edges define the square. The
square itself remains as empty as possible for activities such as a lecture, a fashion show or job fair. On the square is a solid
information achieved, a meeting place for students, staff and external parties. Monitors, long benches and an olive tree together this
meeting place. The edges of the square must be alive by Yahoo realizing the talent lane ", a series of small shops that education in
various ways such as an international office, an agency culture, sports desk and a career center. Through the transparent doors from
the square you see what happens here. The issuance of the restaurant was moved to the square, so the restaurant now has a terrace
on the square. The space on the strip garden is fully refurbished and become a restaurant. On the first floor is the library involved in
the square with a large open study area. There are computer workstations and informal consultation places created through a
transparent glass wall bordering the square. The design and decor are a reflection of the diverse and colorful cultures in the Hague
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