NATIONAL LIBRARY of the CZECH REPUBLIC
LOCATION Prague, Czech Republic
CLIENT Spier Holdings
PROGRAM Library, National Architves, Receptions, Cafe, Retail
AREA 50,000SM
COST $182.5MM
STATUS Design 2006/2007 (Competition: Jury Selection)
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The concept for this national archive and library proposes the project as more than a secure warehouse of history, but as a central public figure in the affectation of cultural pride and advancement. Our design proposes an visually open and public form of library display, allowing for the building to be more than a repository and loan office for books, and to position itself as an important public commodity and civic destination, beyond the focus of research. This new form of curatorial framing allows the contents of the library to be constantly appreciated from every position, reinforcing the magnitude of historical artifacts contained within and the future potential of creativity.
The design scheme provides connectivity between the various research and public elements through the system of library volumes that grow out of one another to create a visual synchronization between the various parts. The access and network that supports these beautiful volumes comes through its sensual connection to the landscape and program located with the folds of the ground plan.
The library entry is accessed through a procession leading from the gardens through the topography that gradually descends below the main volumes to enter into main lobby and cafe section. After the sequence leading to the orienting lobby, the user may access all the aspects of the national library due to the central location (volume) of the lobby.
