De Nieuwe Bibliotheek Stad Architectuur
Designed as a monolith, the building is distinguished by concrete elements with horizontal relief and a façade that extends slightly outwards ...
Designed as a monolith, the building is distinguished by concrete elements with horizontal relief and a façade placed slightly outwards. Meyer and Van Schooten designed this building on a triangular plot with an ascending ground level to which the library aligns. The concrete elements with shimmering basalt particles give the building a distinguished appearance, befitting a temple of culture. The entrance with escalators has an aspirational effect and brings visitors to the central hall, where generous voids create a welcoming and clear atmosphere. Horizontal strip windows provide plenty of light. The offices are located on the first and third floors. Glass facades everywhere provide contact with the outside world. Sustainable escalators, which accelerate upon entry, open up the book stock, which is attractively displayed on large platforms. A tranquil inner garden compensates for the lack of greenery in the area. On the fourth floor are study booths and spacious tables with connection points for laptops. A café and two cinema rooms on the first and second floors add to the versatility of the building, which radiates an atmosphere of openness thanks to connecting sightlines. Here, people can read, study, recreate and experience the city around them. One drawback you could accuse the architects of is the fact that the entrance is not very inviting. One has to make an effort to enter and soak up the atmosphere.
