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.
Related Stories
Libraries | Jan 29, 2018
Commercial plane that skidded off the runway may become Turkey’s newest public library
The plane was removed from its cliffside perch five days after the incident.
University Buildings | Dec 5, 2017
UCLA’s Hedrick Study combines a library, lounge, and dining hall
Johnson Favaro designed the space.
Architects | Oct 11, 2017
Architects to policymakers: Buildings are infrastructure, too
Left out of this ongoing national debate over infrastructure are the nation’s other public buildings: the libraries, community centers, courthouses, community college buildings, affordable housing developments, and justice facilities.
Green | Sep 12, 2017
Brooklyn’s Windsor Terrace Library gets a living roof
The roof was funded through a process that allows local residents to decide how City capital dollars are spent in their neighborhoods.
Libraries | Sep 1, 2017
Johnson Favaro selected to design new main library in Riverside, Calif.
The choice comes after a 12-year planning process and a yearlong selection process.
Libraries | Aug 30, 2017
1850s library building is brought into the 21st century
The original building was updated and given a new extension and landscaping.
Libraries | Aug 18, 2017
Johnson Favaro-designed Lions Park project breaks ground in Costa Mesa
The project includes a new library, the renovation of the existing library, and the redevelopment of parkland.
Libraries | Aug 17, 2017
San Diego’s newest library branch will be family focused
The long-delayed project reflects community design input.
Libraries | May 31, 2017
A year after its facelift, Boston’s Public Library is relevant again
Visitors are flocking to its brighter, connected halls, which now include retail and digital components.
Libraries | May 16, 2017
A New York-area community college adds new zest to its library
Wired seating and group work areas abound.