Commissioned by the municipality of Utrecht, VMX, with 6 other architectural offices, have made an initial design for the central library. The complex will also house a cinema, arts centre and 120 houses.
As one of the crucial public buildings of the city, the library should be extremely open and well embedded in its surroundings. In this case, the idea of openness is obstructed by the public transport system, running through the site. By lifting the building, however, the transport rails and green public space are each given their own space. At the same time the green space of the site is lengthened into a tapestry surrounding the library building and facing the canal.
The building is rounded off at all sides, like a floating cloud. In doing this, the spaces under and around the building receive enough air and sunlight. Furthermore, the new library is given its recognisable and elegant shape by carving out two large outdoor spaces. This means all houses have spacious terraces looking at a collective courtyard, facing the railway tracks. The public part of the building (library, cinema and arts centre) share a roofed belvedere, giving a spectacular view on the city.
The openness of the form of the building seduces everyone to come in. Escalators for pedestrians and a sloping spiral for bikes lead directly to the lobby – the living heart of the Library ++. The lobby gives access to the cinemas, reading rooms, the restaurant and the belvedere. During the day, this is the central meeting place of the building. Even during nighttime there is a lively atmosphere, when it functions as an open air cinema.
In our vision the new Library ++ is an experience in itself: a place you want to spend the day.
