University of Magdeburg Library, Magdeburg, Germany

The new library at the University of Magdeburg, opposite the existing refectory, connects the university with the city.

The university buildings are located at the very heart of student life. They run from east to west, and open up onto a square between the main entrances of the refectory, library and computer centre.

A READING LANDSCAPE

In keeping with the principle of a folded, ribbon-like surface, a spatial continuum is created via long uninterrupted diagonals. As a 'reading landscape' it represents the building's contents both on the outside and on the inside.

Rising upwards, the bookshelf and working areas of the various specialised subjects merge at the access level where the borrowing, magazine and user areas are located.

These areas all possess information counters, internal work rooms and both open and closed reading booths. At the centre of the building, the atrium provides natural lighting and central ventilation as well as a clear sense of direction and access into all library areas. Direct sunlight is diverted by means of controllable, vertical glass shutters in front of the façade.