An encounter in the margin

The library balances on the edge between a new and an old city. It embodies transition through several layers - of history, function, movement, deconstruction - thus being a representative image of the complexity it contains as well as "a third place". A margin for city dwellers to retreat to. It is a fold in the urban tissue, an encounter of urban conditions.

Writing an architecture thesis challenges a student in a unique way. It is an opportunity to fully focus on one project, several issues, trying to solve all in a holistic way. To me, a thesis is not solely about the "solution", but rather about the process. A process of drawing, analysing, discovering. This meant thinking about the artefact in the city. Designing a building as a holistic part of the urban fabric, connecting it meaningfully to give actual sense to this place, recognising its potential and valuable location in the city. It was an opportunity to try to connect the micro-ambitions of architecture to the macro-environment in which the library is nested. This results in an architectural language that springs from what is picked up from Graz. It mimics the dimensions of the city’s other public buildings. Sometimes like a mirror, reflecting certain classical elements, sometimes through adapting new elements and so originating in two very different faces to the city. Two facades that talk about different things, revealing to the old city that this is not a regular classical building in spite of its seemingly classical facade. The facade at the riverside is talking the river’s language. It reveals the flow of the building in all honesty. This anchoring in the urban tissue was essential for the hyper-public function that a library has. Besides, this project was also an opportunity to think about what a library represents and is today. As a public building it gains extra functionality. Its core function still is providing knowledge, but it is also a forum, a third space: a place where visitors want to find equal value both in each other and in the books or other media from the library. A library is neutral ground, a place where city dwellers come and go. It makes them think and dream. It holds so many different memories and stories, carrying that weight and showing it with pride. It should somehow silence the visitor and allow him to claim his proper place. A place to meet knowledge, to meet himself or maybe even the love of his life. An encounter in the margin. And that is the research. (full thesis at: goo.gl/VNlyva)