schmidt hammer lassen reveals vast polygonal library by the riverbank in denmark

schmidt hammer lassen reveals vast polygonal library by the riverbank in denmark
images by adam mørk / courtesy of schmidt hammer lassen architects

soon to become the largest public library in scandinavia, and located by the banks of aarhus river in denmark, international firm schmidt hammer lassen has developed the ‘dokk1’ along with kristine jensens landscaping and engineering company alectia. after winning the competition in 2009, the completed vast polygonal structure will house an expansive collection of books alongside a citizen service center, automatic parking for 1,000 cars and surrounding harbor-side public squares.

on august 16, 2016, it was announced that ‘dokk1’ had been named ‘the world’s best public library’ at the annual meeting of the international federation of library associations and institutions (IFLA) in columbus, ohio. read more about the prize here.

envisioned as a covered urban space, with views of the water, harbor, forest and city. the structure has been designed as a polygonal slice which hovers above a glazed building with a podium underneath with the sculptural stairways dispersing out on each side onto street level and the promenade. as for the exterior, the concept of the façade stems from the contrasting heights of the surrounding buildings and the port- with reference to the industrial cranes and ships.

kim holst jen-sen, senior partner at schmidt hammer lassen architects, explains: ‘dokk1 is not simply a building. it is a place for exchanging knowledge and opportunities and a multicultural meeting point that will change people’s perception of the entire city. dokk1 enhances this special setting with an architecture that creates an exceptional visual connection to the city – both from inside the building and out. through this, we form an icon for the knowledge society, an icon that supports and stimulates creative collaboration.’

internally, the open arrangement responds to the various functions with the aim to create visual connections between them. the polygonal top floor will host the municipal administration offices along with space for lease. meanwhile, the two open levels of the library –connected by the media ramp– will be dedicated to exhibitions, gaming, workshops and other activities. this media ramp, curving its way up the core, leads to the children’s area.

Save

Save

Save