Reexamining the evolution of the library typology stood at the basis of the design process. The accelerated growth of information merged with the iconic role of the central library generated the design scheme. In this scheme the mass of books regains its spatial presence through the reconfiguring of its organization and by embedding constant growth and mutation capabilities into the design. Turning the book mass into building structure was the main vehicle for obtaining the strong physical presence of the books. This operation generated three different structural types in response to the three occupants of the library:
1. Books: Using the bookshelf spacing as the module, the structure is based on a dense grid of columns; 1m x 2.25m apart. The structural grid supports both the bookshelves and the building as a whole. The dense grid enables a minimized column diameter creating a delicate lattice of supporting structure throughout the building.
2. Offices: The columns along the perimeter are ‘stretched’ out in order to create medium span spaces. The office floor plates project out from the book storage core creating modulation on the façade and revealing the areas of human activity on the exterior skin.
3. Reading rooms: The reading halls are large spaces used by the public. These spaces are inserted into the book mass and suspended within the dense structural grid. Double and triple height spaces with delicate steel posts wrapping around them create cathedral type spaces, celebrating the interaction of the public with the body of knowledge.
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