ZLB // DE  

The new central library for Berlin should be an open and inviting building which is embedded in the context of the Tempelhofer Filed and should be a catalyst to this context.

The appearance of the building is defined by the internal organisation. Various cuts into the building volume organise the functional and spatial relations. Through this cut, the library areas are transformed in the multi-layer spatial organisation and provide a unique atmosphere to the library. The cuts create a continuity of voids providing a continuos public space within the central library.

The rigorous building form is broken up by various cuts into the building floors, opening up the library to the context. The functional areas of the library are organised by the cuts, a first cut is separating the public an d non-public programs of the building. The second cut divides the non-public area into offices and archive, while the public area is being subdivided by four further cuts to open the library to the park and bring in daylight deep into the building. The various cuts form a continuous void throughout the building, providing a continuous public space from the entrance to all public areas of the library.

Team: Wilfried Hackenbroich with Daniel Dominguez, Maddalena Laddaga, Gemma Rincón