Library Buildings around the World

Polish and Classical Philology Faculty Library of Adam Mickiewicz University is located in the heart of Poznan - in the close
proximity to historical buildings from the beginning of twentieth century, in the immediate vicinity of the Poznan Opera House and
the Prussian Imperial Castle. It was designed as an extension of the Collegium Maius - the former building of "Hakata" - the Royal
Prussian Colonization Commission. The parcel is hidden at three sides by the Collegium Maius and by the building of Regional
Government Office. Our aim was to design of a functional and modern building, restrained in form and yet adjusted to the historical
function and context. We have concentrated on the future building users - the students - the design was dictated by their taste and
responded to their needs. Another tough task was to design within very strict area limits given in the local urban plan and by
specified parcel use - and at the same time we had to satisfy client's programme which was very extensive in function terms. As a
result a very functional yet interesting plan was created - we exploited very carefully the maximum available area without losing the
leitmotiv of our idea. Additional unexpected difficulty was the parcel's ground-water situation - building was supposed to be located
partially above the reminiscence of Poznan city wall and also on an underground watercourse that was disturbed by new structure.
The project was an architectural competition resolved in September 2005. New library building received a form that is a structure
divided horizontally in half with a massive sandstone bottom and light glass top - to represent a merge of historical content with a
very contemporary form. Building facades finishes are dominated by two materials - glass and sandstone. Used stone pattern is
identical to the existing one at the facades of Collegium Mains facility. At the same time some light rhythm disturbances were
introduced - we like to call them "razor blades" - those sandstone forms that are led throughout the entire building elevations and
are also further reflected in a floor pattern and in the interiors. (Neostudio)
Jacek Rzyski – NBM Architecture, Warszawa – Poland
http://www.rzyski.pl
Libraries:
University Library, Wroclaw – Poland 2012
The new Library building will be located on the banks of Odra River, in the street block between Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski St. and
Szczytnicka St.
The building has been designed in a form of two solid structures. The first one will contain circulation department, general collection
stacks, acquisition department and technical services for newly acquired items. The second will contain additional stacks and
preservation section for special collections. Both will be separated by a pedestrian passage. Internal design of the main hall calls for a
flexibility in its arrangement and setting.
(http://www.bu.uni-wroc.pl/en/about-library/new-library)
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