Between brouchure

Christian added company David Chipperfield
2 years ago

Christian added company HAV Eiendom AS
2 years ago

Christian added this project

A clear demarcation between the library and commercial projects will provide clarity and flexibility in the future development of the Diechmanske axis. The Library has been located on block A8 with the commercial development possibilities maintained on block A9. As a result the civic building and the commercial development will not be confused or compromised. The civic building is in the location which seems most appropriate – overlooking the Operaalmenningen, reinforcing the city’s urban masterplan and the spaces leading from the station to the Opera and Fjord.

The library's architecture presents a simple but strong almost monolithic volumetric form which fills out the new masterplan’s urban grain and powerfully landmarks the new civic building. It addresses Operaalmenningen, yet also accommodates the visual axis to the Opera.

Its shape absorbs the crossroad from Opera Gate to Dronning Eufemias Gate to the east of the site by cantilevering above it. The constraints on the site dictate that the library must be arranged vertically. Our project overcomes this challenge by incorporating a lively internal topography of platforms, terraces, and balconies, an exciting spatial experience, a sense of life throughout the building, an intriguing and theatrical setting for social engagement and a sculptural extension of the city.

The library is an invigorating ‘mountain of knowledge’ and education, with panoramic views of the city to the northwest and the fjord to the southeast. A double skin facade of opaque, transparent, and translucent surfaces transmits a sense of openness, light, and transparency. Large clear picture windows provide both views out from key interior spaces and views of the activities within. During the night and long Norwegian winters, the building will appear more permeable, the light within emitting a lantern-like glow and further revealing the activities within.

A huge room at ground level accommodates lively activities overlooking the surrounding streets and public space, creating an ambience of social enjoyment and inclusion. An open lower level contains additional social functions: exhibition space, the auditorium, cinema, rehearsal rooms and meeting spaces. Library administration is located at first floor level, Reference Information Help Services are located on the second floor with the Children’s section and a restaurant, both of which have access to a roof deck. Public library functions are distributed across all of the four upper levels on a series of stacked and cantilevered platforms, balconies and terraces, accessible via a number of public vertical routes, with a variety of scales, positions and views which provide Reading Rooms, Lounges and Study Spaces. The top floor provides a spectacular citizen’s penthouse containing further informal library stacks and displays, a café lounge and a semi-exterior winter-garden reading room.

The portion of block A9 available to commercial development has been maximised. A variety of plan and phasing options can be considered and therefore provide optimum commercial flexibility. Our project imagines two separate mixed-use buildings which fill the urban block while finding a balance between maximised area and ideal city grain. The library is architecturally and functionally independent of the commercial development and neither compromises the commercial nor is compromised by it. This ensures the viability and sustainability of both.

2 years ago