University Library  Halle-Wittenberg

Redevelopment of the Theological and Sociological Library of the University of Halle-Wittenberg.      

Contractual Code for Freelance Enterprise - Treatment 2009    

The plan for the new library building envisages a single building composed of two elements: a massive L-shaped plinth and a light upper component. The function of the plinth is to fix the library spatially and dimensionally into its surroundings It extends the housed terrace in Emil-Abderhalden-Strasse, creates a forecourt in the process and defines a clear limit for the campus area. The upper component contributes to anchoring the library in the urban scenery. It is positioned on visual axes from St. Paul's Church and Berliner Brücke  With its striking cantilever, it exhibits at the same time a clear bias towards the campus.

The building's double-limb effect is concept-defining for the inner organisation of the library. Two entrances, one on the campus side and the other on the flank of a public park, lead visitors directly into the 18-metre-high library hall. From here they have an overview of the five levels and the flights of stairs leading to them.
Levels 1 and 2 are situated in the plinth and are organised on a north-to-south axis. Visitors enter them via a broad sweep of stairs serving also as tiered bench-seating that begins directly opposite the information desk. The reading and work areas in the two-storey reading hall offer a view over the park.  Levels 3, 4 and 5 are situated in the glassed-in upper construction. On level 3, there is an outside reading area shielded from sun and rain by the cantilever. On level 4, a two-level reading area is intended to afford a view of the campus.

The plan's principle governing both building components is reflected in the way the facade is formed. The plinth is composed of dark clinker in a long-format brick-type with long, extended, tall window elements. In contrast, the three-storey crown-like upper component exhibits a multi-layered translucent façade of glass elements and varying profiled elements in perforated copper plating and meshed metal baffle respectively. In this way, the upper levels are provided with diffuse floor-to-ceiling daylight. An image of the library comes about that changes when one moves and at the same time furnishes an emblem for the new campus.