Central Library
Delft University of Technology
Prometheusplein 1
Delft
The Netherlands
Mecanoo 1997
The library is designed for the
Delft University of Technology (also known as TU Delft). It is the central
library for the campus and is located across from an auditorium that was
built in 1966 by Van Den Broek & Bakema. The design of the auditorium
was considered a brutalist style, because it is an awkward looking
building that resembles a giant frog according to Mecanoo.
Instead of designing a building
that contrasts this eye-catching auditorium, Mecanoo designed the library
as a sloped plane, extending the grass from the ground to the very edge of
the roof.
Around the building, Mecanoo
chose to use glass walls to give light exposure to the building.
A distinguishing feature of this
building would have to be the cone that protrudes from the sloping grass
roof. The cone emerges from inside of the library and peeks out of the
roof. Underneath the cone inside the library is the circulation desk area.
Within the cone, there is a spiral staircase that begins from beneath the
cone all the way up inside the cone. This spiral leads to the 4 stories of
reading rooms inside the cone.
Around the cone, there is a
skylight that provides lighting for the interior and also helps highlight
the cone from the interior.
Away from the cone, the lower
two levels have ramps that lead to the stacks that are along one wall,
which is painted with the Mecanoo signature blue. The book stacks stand in
front of this blue wall and create contrast with the mixed color book
covers.
Wilma Kwan 2003
How to visit
To get to the University campus,
you can either take the bus or ride the bike.
From Delft train station, take
bus 63, 121, 129, or 201. There is a bus stop just before the Auditorium
Building on Michiel de Ruyterweg.
The alternative is to bike
there. It is a ten-minute bike ride from the Delft train station. From the
station cross Westsingel to get on Westvest. Head south till you hit
Zuidwal. Go East on Zuidwall till you get to Michiel de Ruyterweg which
will bring you into the University campus. On Michiel de Ruyterweg you
will see Christian Huygensweg on your left and the library is just at the
end of the street.
For more information about the
library and its opening hours please visit www.library.tudelft.nl.
Also visit the architect's web site at www.mecanoo.com.
Books and other web
sites
Click the link below
either to see more information or to order
direct from
Composition
Contrast Complexity: Mecanoo Architects
Francine Houben and Christian Richter
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