TU Delft Library - Netherlands

[3CPO]

TU Delft Library - Netherlands

The library is located behind the dominant auditorium of Van den Broek & Bakema. A design that would have to compete against this expressive, concrete 'space ship' would be, according to Mecanoo, impossible and undesired. The auditorium is now covered in a grass carpet, that slowly flows over into the triangular grass roof of the new library.
A concrete cone with an open top and a incision in the grass roof at the entrance are the only signs that point at a special function, seen from the Mekelweg, the main axle of the TU-district. However from the other side the glass facades under the raised rims of the roof offer a clear view of the activities that take place inside.

Under the roof there is a spacious central hall. The most striking difference for the regular users of the old library will be the fact that books can be seen again. In the old library the books were stored out of sight in stock rooms.
Now the most frequently requested books are in an enormous book wall that reaches to the slanted roof and can be retrieved from the shelves by the visitors. Which might go with out saying for a library, but it is thanks to Mecanoo that these changes came about. As far as I am concerned, as a regular visitor, they earn tribute just for that.

The fact that the library now has an ample supply of study spaces is also a large improvement. The study places are spread throughout hung-floors in the cone and a more quiet study space along the facade. Right from the opening these places were occupied by students, which immediately created a lively atmosphere in the building.

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Fonte do texto: ArchiNed News Archive