The runways of the old Tempelhof airport have an almost geographic energy and intensity to them. Their formal strength was unavoidable and has become a support in these plans for the future ZLB library building.
Therefore, the main entrance to the building rises from the extended runway: a striking shape, recognisable from afar. The whole building is influenced by a large cantilever section, generating a perhaps unexpected north–south orientation.
This location has great disadvantages from an energy point of view, moreover causing the extension of the master plan to the south. In this way, the new library would not only be a singular building, but would also fit in as another piece of the masterplan.
The library is organized into three parts. The first, below the canopy, contains all the services that are not directly connected to the library’s collection: all those spaces prior to the security gate. On the other side of the gate, the loans area occupies the mezzanine floor, and higher up reaches the large reading room, situated under a lighted ceiling. The children’s library occupies the cantilever area, which also features central lighting.
The northern side of the building is dedicated to logistics. The offices, working spaces and especially the stores are placed vertically one above the other. To emphasize the large, open space of the Tempelhof, the proposal includes a coffee shop situated on various floors in the northeast corner, creating a privileged spot to enjoy the views and by which the space may be identified.
Client:
AusloberLand Berlinvertreten durch die Senatsverwaltung für Stadtentwicklung und Umwelt Abteilung Hochbau V B
Address:
Tempelhofer Damm, 106. 12099 Berlin, Germany
Typology:
Education & Culture
Status:
Projects
Competition:
2013
Design of project:
2013
Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos
Collaborators:Christoph Wübbe, Javier Monge, Juan Carlos Mulero, Mercedes Pérez, Miguel Velasco, Óscar García de la Cámara, Rocío Peinado, Rosa Melero, Saku Kuittinen
Lightning design:Arcadis
Landscape:Geskes.hack Landschaftsarchitekten
Infography:Álvaro Barranco
Model:Queipo Maquetas
Structural engineering:Arcadis
Climate engineering:Arcadis
Building physics advisor:Arcadis
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