Library Rostock

Libraries have always been among the most important institutions in the world of knowledge and play a fundamental role in the development and education of societies. They are places of knowledge, learning and exchange. They are catalysts of society, but they have not always been accessible to people from all walks of life.

Situation The Hanseatic city of Rostock has always been an important industrial location and hub in the Baltic region. The site is located in the area of the former city port, which has been out of operation since the end of the 20th century. It borders directly on the old town and thus plays a central role in urban life. In the future, the area is to be rehabilitated and linked to the northern bank of the Warnow River by a pedestrian bridge. Concept The concept for the New Library becomes the interface of society. The strong iconography formulates the significance of the library as an important public institution. The building will be visible from afar and become an unmistakable, defining urban feature. Structure This gesture is formulated by a supporting structure, which at the same time determines the spatial order inside the building. It is composed of two basic elements: The main supporting structure, which is formed from large-format lattice girders as an unequal seesaw. And the counterweight, which is formed by the suspended floor slabs at the rear of the building. Thus, the balance between the elements is restored. Spatial and functional idea Translated into the spatial idea and use as a library, these two main elements represent the balance between knowledge storage and knowledge creation. In the upper body, with its wide overhang, knowledge is stored and made accessible. This is where media, communication zones and places of retreat are located. The counterweight provides space for the application of this knowledge and the creation of new knowledge. It is about exchange, communication and experimentation. Through the interplay between these two areas of use, knowledge is multiplied and the creation of new knowledge is made possible. All in all, a holistically coherent architecture is created, which absorbs the multi-layered requirements of a modern library through flexible structures and at the same time develops attraction through appearance and gesture, thus securing the significance of the library as a public institution for society.