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Khalifeyah Library
Khalifeyah Library
Muharraq, Bahrain
Project Featured on Aug 06, 2018
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Khalifeyah Library
Muharraq, Bahrain
Project Featured on Aug 06, 2018
Firm
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2017
SIZE
5000 sqft - 10,000 sqft
BUDGET
$1M - 5M
Muharraq, Bahrain
The neighborhood surrounding the Shaikh Hamad mosque is being redeveloped. One of the goals of this redevelopment is to return the existing buildings to their original footprint. The project aims to strengthen the ongoing revitalization of this neighborhood by offering a public library building. Located in the historical centre of Muharraq, the Khalifeyah Library was one of the first public libraries in Bahrain. This area suffered from a redevelopment in the 1980s, which considerably reshaped the urban silhouette and destroyed its original scale. SeARCH has designed a library that subtly embeds itself in the existing neighborhood, but at the same time has a strong architectural presence that allows it to become a public focal point. The boundary of the lower floor is shaped by the diagonal line from the adjacent building’s footprint while the cantilevering volume of the two top floors take up again the original footprint of the library. The public space is kept intact and it creates a covered entrance for the library.
By overlaying the shadows created by the typical shapes of the cantilevers, an interesting pattern emerges which is used as a basis for the design. A diagonal grid of louvers is projected on the facade. Rather than being defined by structural logic or repetitive mathematic of traditional Arabic shapes, this pattern is used to regulate incoming sunlight by varying the density of the grid following the shading patterns. This leads to an abstract sculptural facade that changes its appearance under different viewing angles. Sometimes it seems solid and closed, but if passing by it opens up to the visitor.
The Khalifeyah Library houses a reading room, a research centre, an Internet lab and office spaces open to the public. The cultural and public program will focus on the youth living in the heart of Muharraq.
The neighborhood surrounding the Shaikh Hamad mosque is being redeveloped. One of the goals of this redevelopment is to return the existing buildings to their original footprint. The project aims to strengthen the ongoing revitalization of this neighborhood by offering a public library building. Located in the historical centre of Muharraq, the Khalifeyah Library was one of the first public libraries in Bahrain. This area suffered from a redevelopment in the 1980s, which considerably reshaped the urban silhouette and destroyed its original scale. SeARCH has designed a library that subtly embeds itself in the existing neighborhood, but at the same time has a strong architectural presence that allows it to become a public focal point. The boundary of the lower floor is shaped by the diagonal line from the adjacent building’s footprint while the cantilevering volume of the two top floors take up again the original footprint of the library. The public space is kept intact and it creates a covered entrance for the library.
By overlaying the shadows created by the typical shapes of the cantilevers, an interesting pattern emerges which is used as a basis for the design. A diagonal grid of louvers is projected on the facade. Rather than being defined by structural logic or repetitive mathematic of traditional Arabic shapes, this pattern is used to regulate incoming sunlight by varying the density of the grid following the shading patterns. This leads to an abstract sculptural facade that changes its appearance under different viewing angles. Sometimes it seems solid and closed, but if passing by it opens up to the visitor.
The Khalifeyah Library houses a reading room, a research centre, an Internet lab and office spaces open to the public. The cultural and public program will focus on the youth living in the heart of Muharraq.
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