Library Buildings around the World

Bulgaria
Studio 8 ½, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
studio 8 ½ is a new and young space, established and based in Plovdiv, directed mainly to designing of conceptual projects and
architecture ideas, as well as participating in international competitions.
http://studio812.eu
Libraries:
ConTemporary Library, Plovdiv – Bulgaria 2012
Although the wooden library by Studio 8 ½ was placed inside the abandoned 16th century Turkish bath for less than one week, it set
an example for how new and old architecture can complement one another and introduce new uses.
This was the objective of the Art Today Association, when it assigned the project to Studio 8 ½ for the Urban Dreams Contemporary
Art Festival, which took place in the vibrant Bulgarian city of Plovdiv from 20 October to 30 November.
Placed right in the centre of the hammam – as the Turkish baths are called – the installation consisted of a sitting area, a bookshelf
and a multimedia point, fulfilling the main functions of a library.
Circular, like the bath’s main hall, the library was made entirely of wood, left in its natural colour to contrast with the old stone and
brick surface of the surrounding space. The form was spiral-like, directing the gaze to the grandiose 13-m-high cupola of the
building. A simple but well-designed lighting system stressed the building’s refined details and provided light to the installation,
creating a discrete and sophisticated unity between the two.
(http://www.frameweb.com/news/contemporary-library-by-studio-8-1/2)
New Public Library “Otets Paisiy”, Plovdiv - Bulgaria 2011
The project reveals a conceptual vision for a new public library, which would be housed in a waste tram at the “Otets Paisiy” Street
in the town of Plovdiv. This is the exact street where the first trolleybus was passing through 55 years ago. The street is “cut”
because of urbanization reasons, but has preserved itself as a parallel and alternative city culture, collateral to the main pedestrian
and touring zone in the city. The project offers a new life for a small city square, which has lost its main function through the years.
During the past years a number of foundations turn serious attention to this bohemian part of the town’s past and present. They
initiated projects, exhibitions and festivals. This library will fill in to some extent a palpable gap, formed by the lack of cultural
centers and sharpened by the closing of the historic square nearby and the emblematic for the city book-store, bearing also the name
of one of the holiest Bulgarians- Otets Paisiy. (Studio 8 ½)