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In order to revive
the idea of the ancient library which existed some 2000
years ago in Alexandria, Egypt, the Arab Republic of Egypt
and set out to build one of the largest libraries in the
world, housing a collection of books and rare manuscripts
from the region. After winning an international competition
including some 500 entries, Snohetta was further awarded
contracts for landscape and interior design. A consortium
with Hamza Associates of Egypt was later formed and Snohetta
continued to lead the team throughout the planning and
during the construction process. The project has received
considerable noteriety since the initial design in 1989 and
continues to be a strong symbol for international cultural
awareness.
The most prominent
characteristic of the new library is its circular, tilting
form; rising from the ground to reveal massive stone walls
carved with alphabetic inscriptions. Covered by a light roof
allowing the building to open toward the Mediterranean sea.
Within the interior a great room, similar to traditional
libraries of previous centuries, opens up revealing the
building's form into the reading space. The reading space is
developed in an original manner along terraces which conceal
the limited access books, providing a new standard in
library planning. Also housed within the building are other
cultural facilities and a small school; to the exterior is a
small planetarium for the general public. Lastly the
building is surrounded by a reflecting pool and large public
plaza, connecting it to the city as a gathering place for
contemplation and debate.
Project
Information:
LOCATION:
Alexandria, Egypt
BUILDING TYPE: New Research Library
PROJECT SCOPE: Open competetion,1st prize,contracted
CLIENT: UNESCO, Arab Republic of Egypt
SIZE: 70,000 square meters
BUDGET: 150 million U.S. Dollars
SCHEDULE: Completion 1998
CONSULTANTS: Hamza Associates
PRIMARY ARCHITECTS: C.Dykers, C.Kapeller, K.Thorsen (J.Bjørnsson,
R.Greenwood, O.Gustavsen, P. Josefson, E.Molinar, O.Mo,
K.Stensrød, K.Tronstad )
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