Scientific library of Berlin (DE)

The symbolic reference is the one of an urban gate, a new entrance to the historic neighborhood of Luisenstadt. The building is constructed from three main elements: the base, the urban lodge offering different panoramic views of the city and the overarching cube which contains the library space.

The new library is thematically aligned with the content of the city museum collections, it offers new exhibition space for the archeological books and it becomes the new point of reference in the urban structure of the city, as well as the new symbol of Berlin, a landmark for the citizens and visitors of the city. It is characterised by its imposing height attempting to compete with the structures of the urban surroundings. The new building enhances the importance of its historical surroundings, it offers new educational space for the citizens and an urban lodge offering different panoramic views over the city. The project redevelops significantly the whole area by creating new public space on the banks of the river Spree. It also studies future developments of the area and suggests new residential buildings with green courtyards in proximity of the new library. The project is meant to improve the life quality of the area, the social and cultural engagement of the residents and to stimulate an interaction between the people and the elements of the city nature.