Asplund Library

Aerial View 1.

Project details

• Project Name: Asplund Library
• Location of Site: Stockholm, Sweden
• Design Team: Macrae-Gibson Architects
• Project Type: Conceptual

Aerial View 2.

Words from the architect

Brief: The government of Stockholm requested for a new addition to the Asplund Library. The requirements were to expand library space and either partially or fully demolish the existing annexes which were of poor quality.

Aerial View 3.

Concept: Our proposal for an addition to the Asplund library juxtaposes the concept of an ever-changing river-inspired by the great sub glacial watercourse which formed Observatory Hill-against the cylinder of the Stockholm Library Rotunda, built to celebrate the eternal verities of human knowledge. The fluidly angled, interconnected and open-ended forms of the new building symbolize the digital flow of global information, characteristic of modernity. These indeterminate forms contrast with the neo-Platonic geometries of Asplund's building and their origin in the ideals of the Enlightenment.

Materials: As a conceptual project no materials were explicitly stated.

Basement Plan.

Organization: The basic components of the library addition are long linear spaces suffused with light: each of the spaces is convenient for media storage of various kinds along the sides. Parts of each volume intersect other similar volumes or run along light wells or exterior walls, creating a wide variety of spatial experiences and programmatic opportunities. The program elements are arranged in accordance with the required space allocations and desirable proximities. However, the entire library program area can be rearranged with no change to the design. Since the evolution of media is rapidly accelerating, maximum flexibility is essential in a modern library. The lecture halls, studios and teaching rooms and restaurant are placed on the Odengatan entrance level for ease of direct access from the street.

Elevation.

Fifth Floor Plan.

First Floor Plan.

Fourth Floor Plan.

Elevation from Gyldengatan Street.

Interior 1.

Interior 2.

Interior 3.

Interior 4.

Asplund Model.

Detail Asplund Model.

Elevation from Odengatan Street.

Second Floor Plan.

Section.

Site Plan.

Street View.

Elevation from Sveavagen Street.

Third Floor Plan.

Time Space Flow.

Credits

• Text: Macrae-Gibson Architects
• Photographs: Macrae-Gibson Architects