Designed by Studio Kalamar, the proposal for the National and University Library in Ljubljana, Slovenia connects itself to the urban fabric of the square in a clear, but quiet fashion. As the dynamic volume mimics the dynamic surrounding environment, an atrium is created between, thus introverting the urban energies into a peaceful atmosphere appropriate for studying, which is surrounded by a cloister, vertically repeated four times. The program is comprised of four program units: free access library, storage and archive facilities, work units – expert library services, and the archaeological heritage of Roman Emona. Emona lies beneath the surface level, so the three remaining units are used as the base for volume composition. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The units are organized into three “wings” or three “open books” of the library. Library services are housed in the lowest volume, oriented to northeast and the French Revolution Square. The public access wing forms the corner of Emonska and Zoisova Streets, where it balances between the busy traffic dynamics of the Slovenska – Zoisova intersection and the urban dynamics of French Revolution Square. The storage wing positions itself to the back of urban pulse, yet with its volume to the front of perception for visitors coming to the city from the south.
