Link to original Pecha Kucha : GaryNickPechaKucha
UTRECHT LIBRARY
Utrecht University Main Library
Slide 1:
- Like the Eberswalde Library, Wiel Aret’s Utrecht University Library is a bold box, neatly fitting the decorated shed idea of architecture.
- It is imposing and not afraid to portray itself as a black box, although to mitigate the sheer massiveness of the building, the facade is broken up, with alternating transparent and opaque panels, and slightly extruded or offset volumes, making a dynamic and less frightening building.
- The library is surrounded by other blocky buildings on a gridded plan, many of which are by other internationally renowned Dutch firms such as OMA and UNStudio.
Slide 2:
- A pattern of willows is repeated across the black concrete panels and reflective glazing, which creates a kind of screen, sheltering the inside and creating a calm refuge. The patterned facade is similar to the Eberswalde library in that way, it creates the impression of a closed off exterior, and despite the large amounts of glass, it seems, from the outside to be a very introverted building.
- The pattern is both metaphorical and practical – it has been compared to the papyrus plant, linking in with the history of early writing, and creating a calming natural image. The prints on the glass are designed to filter the natural light entering the library whilst on the concrete panels on the interior, the relief forms help absorb sounds, making a peaceful quiet environment.
Slide 3:
- The organisational layout is more complex than that of Herzog and De Meuron’s building.
- Starting on the lower ground floor you enter into an enclosed dark space before ascending the stairs up two floors towards the light and the books, and thus the knowledge
- Within the outer box, the floors are shifted planes, with many voids and multi storey height spaces making the space feel open and yet sheltered. The varied floor plans create surprising moments, with varying degrees of enclosure/protection from distraction
Slide 4:
- “The users choice of location determines the degree of communication with others”
- Despite the majority of the interior being black concrete panels, reflective floors and the large windows allow sufficient light to create a comfortable reading space.
- The black was chosen as it was believed it would create a sense of security, and the airy feel of the spaces mean that it is reassuring rather than oppressive. This blackness also ensures that attention is drawn mainly to the books, as Wiel Arets says it is a space without need for any other stimuli.
Slide 5:
- The combination of different spaces is summed up by Arets as concentration versus communication, absorption versus confrontation. He recognises that the modern library is used for different reasons, sometimes as a quiet place to work, other times as a social hub, a place to share and discuss.
- Within the shifting a floating floor planes, black cube volumes act as the book depots, which the architect wanted to be like clouds, implying an ethereal view of the pursuit of knowledge, and contrasting with many libraries where the storage is below ground and uninspiring.
- It is a more complex and less rigid space than that at Eberswalde, but sharing the principle of a decorated box.
by Nick Green