New renderings released for Herzog & de Meuron’s National Library of Israel

Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron unveiled new renderings for its National Library of Israel, which is now under construction.

Dezeen notes that the 34,000-sm library will have a concave asymmetrical roof with a circular light well in the center. The building’s second level will be much larger and more spacious than the ground level entrance floor. Along with the light well, perforations in the stone-clad exterior will allow in daylight.

"The strong, sculptural form of the stone, related to the specific topography and context of the site, is elevated off the ground, and situated above vitrine like elements," the architects said in a statement. “The stone contains a large open space for the library’s visitors and users to interact while the vitrines expose the collection, reading room and public functions to the street and adjacent surroundings.”

The library will have a circular layout, with bookshelves curving around the hole in the center of the building. 

Features include a glass-walled auditorium, a hall, research labs, and offices. It is planned for a landscaped site in Jerusalem next to the Israel Museum, the Science Museum and the Hebrew University.

Construction is expected to be finished by 2020. The Israeli firm Mann Shinar Architects & Planners worked with the Herzog & de Meuron on the design.