Library Buildings around the World

Norway
a-lab Arkitekturlaboratoriet AS, Oslo - Norway
http://www.a-lab.no
Libraries:
Town Hall extension and library, Søgne – Norway (2008 1 st Prize) 2012
3.800 m², Client: Søgne Komune
The concept is to strengthen the (adjacent) surroundings and the existing building. Our wish was to make a rational expansion of the
office building and a new library, which is extrovert and inviting. (These two functions in coherence/together will give Søgnes culture
and administration a powerful and (obliging) presence.) The addaded volume on top of the existing municipality an exciting form.
The library and the reception area in the existing building opens toward the square, and works as an expansion of the outdoor
square. The library should be perceived as amental and visual expansion of the square and the service-area inside. It should express
the spatial context between the square on the west side and the park on the eastside, The city square forces its way through the
existing municipality via the service area, and forms the library. (a-lab)
The construction of the new library and renovation of City Hall in Søgne, Norway is starting this September, Architects A-Lab is
behind the new project. For images of the future library and renovated city hall, just follow us after the break.
The parish hall will be rebuilt, and the building will get a new third floor, which will allow for an outdoor scene. The future-oriented
new library will be twice as large as the current one.
The old library has for many years been located in the basement and has not been easily accessible. By moving parts of the city’s
office space in the new top floor, an area has been liberated on the ground floor to the library. The new premises will be bright and
open. Walls of glass are used between corridors and common areas to spread as much light as possible.
By incorporating the library in the expansion of the city hall, the building’s identity and role in Søgne center enhances. The new
building volume stands out above the Town Hall Square and forms a protective canopy for the library below. This also weaves
together old and new, giving the hall an exciting look. The library and reception areas on the ground floor opens up to the
surroundings and serves as an extension of City Hall in Søgne. The new building exterior will get a golden expression in the form of
perforated metal plates, while the existing concrete walls and window profiles will be painted. The use of vertical glass surfaces will
make the whole expression modern and inviting.
In the planning the architects used contrast actively to make the building easy to navigate for all the city’s inhabitants, including the
disabled. A-lab has developed a concept that will provide Søgne’s culture and management in the municipality a welcoming and
inviting presence in the city.
The building will be completed in autumn 2012. Hank Jarz 15.08.2011 Archdaily (http://www.archdaily.com)
Atelier Oslo Architects, Oslo – Norway
http://www.atelieroslo.no
Deichman Main Library Oslo – Norway on design
Libraries:
see: Lund Hagem architects http://www.lundhagem.no
1. Holds pre-qualified competition for Deichman axis with the proposal "Diagonal" Startup - Awaiting political treatment.
Size - about 18 000m2 library, approximately 37 500 commercial areas. Client - Oslo / Sea Property Cooperation - Lund Hagem
Architects AS, Agence Ter landscape architects, Can Energy
Deichman Main Library Oslo is the new public library that will be in Bjørvika, as part of the Deichman axis. Library is building an
environment where everything from the façade of interior meets stringent environmental standards. Intentions To integrate
Deichman axis into Bjørbvikabebyggelsen and give buildings a human scale, shared buildings into three volumes. A diagonal street is
established to provide the opera better access from the east, and also creates two smaller plassrom in the area. The library is placed
in the plot against the Common Opera to create the shortest distance to public transport, and the best views of the city, the fjord and
the surrounding green hills. The building is made visible at the top of the building collars out, and announces his presence to the
visitors who come from Railway Square and Central Station. Large cuts in the facade marks the entrances on three sides of the
building and invite the audience in from all sides of town. The same cuts allow passersby to see into and through the diagonal lines
run in the library, and at the various library environments. The library has a flexibility that allows it to absorb many future features,
and divided into different audio zones. The translucent facade diffuses daylight and provides a soothing feeling to the interior. At
night the building will glow and change appearance, and one can glimpse from outside the various activities and events taking place
inside the library. (Atelier Oslo )
The Diagonale solution for the new Deichman Library proposes: To divide the site into three buildings. By doing this, we give each
building a human scale and integrate the project into the city. To place the Library on the site towards Operaallmenningen. Library
visitors are offered the best views towards the city, the fjord and the surrounding green hills of Oslo; and the shortest connection to
public transport. To make the Library visible to the public. The top of the library cantilevers out to announce its presence to the
visitors arriving from down town Oslo and the Central Station. At the same time the view to the opera is secured by a large cut in the
volume. To create entrances to the east, west, and south. Big cuts in the facade mark the entrances on three sides of the building,
inviting the public coming from all parts of the city. The same cuts give views into the different environments of the library.
To create a spectacular interior. The core of the new Deichman library is based on light and space and continuous diagonal views
established between the library interior and the surrounding streets/square. Through atriums and openings in the different floors
the library is united with the city outside. To communicate with the city. The façade diffuses the sunlight, giving a calm feeling to the
interior. At night, the building will glow and change (http://www.e-architect.co.uk)
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