The proposal for the NUK II National Library, designed by BARCODE Architects, presents a clever and pure univocal shape despite the great complexity of the given plot. By making the design compact and by moving volume from its base to the top, the building makes way and shows the characteristic ruins of Roman Emona on site, while at the same time this creates a public square along the important city junction. Prominently sited at a junction in the heart of perhaps the most important academic centre in Eastern Europe, the 20.000m2 project seeks to become a compelling architectural landmark. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The cantilevers created are aligned with the adjacent blocks to generate a uniform street view and a well-balanced townscape. The design marks a radical shift from traditional library structure. The building provides a public and open visitor experience, by framing public spaces between service layers of storage, work areas, and technical equipment. The multiple public routes cut through these service layers, and visitors are provided with compelling views into the functional components of the library. Climax of the routes are two roof terraces with breathtaking views of the famous Ljubljana castle, the roofscape of the city, and the Slovenian mountains beyond.
