Library Buildings around the World

Brasil
Aflalo e Gasperini Architectos, São Paulo – Brasil
http://www.aflaloegasperini.com.br
Libraries:
Biblioteca São Paulo – Brasil 2010
4.500 sqm
The antithesis is strong and the metaphor becomes obvious. Where before a prison, now freedom: of knowledge, of ideas, of books. It
is in this place, that could carry a dark memory forever, where is located the Sao Paulo Library. The old Carandiru penitentiary
complex, in Sao Paulo, has changed its face: now it is the Youth park. Within the park, the Library, which contributed to the urban
impact of this revigoration in a way that could surpass the quarter limits, bringing people from every corner of the city granting to
them leisure, entertainment and culture. The building has an ample area with zenithal illumination, assuring great flexibility in the
layout. The structure is composed by 20 columns and 10 beams, spaced each 10 meters. The furniture has funny and colourfull tones
and ludical serigraphies were proposed in the glasses to give more intimacy to those who will read or research. The library is
organized as a bookstore, aiming to attract a non-reader public as well. The idea is that this project can be replied in other cities. A
new library, implemented in Brazil but inspired in the public library of Santiago, Chile. The program we find in the building is
composed by a ground floor with reception, quantity, auditorium for 90 people and reading modules for children and teenagers. The
ehxisting terrace on this floor was covered by a tensor structure, that reminds “nautical tents”, receives a cafeteria, sitting areas and
performance spaces. In the upper floor we find another quantity space, several reading spaces being one module restricted to adults
in addition to multimedia areas. There are special furniture such as tables for people with visual deficiency and ergonomic desks to
physical deficients. In order to attend the accessibility regulation the floor finishing was made in a way that could be tactil, railing
with two heights, inscriptions in Braile as well adequated ramps. The upper level terraces in the east and west facades, with higher
insolation, were covered with pergolas made with reforestation eucalyptus and polycarbonate, assuring a pleasant space for
performance as well living room. The remaining facades are composed by pre-molded panels with texturized finishing. More than a
beautiful and different library, this new institution has the mission to be the central of 961 libraries in the state of Sao Paulo –
spreaded in 602 municipalities. (Aflalo)
SPBR Arquitectos, São Paulo – Brazil
http://www.spbr.arq.br
Libraries :
Midiateca PUC – RIO, Pontificia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro – Brazil 2010 – 2011
Awards:
Second Holcim Award – Sustainable Construction 2008/2009
Holcim Awards 2008 / 2009
Literature:
GA Document International 2009, n.108, junho 2009, ADA Edita - Tokyo
Biblioteca, Santana de Parnaíbo, São Paulo – Brazil 2003
1