New chores and obligations with a new workweek… It’s also time for a fresh virtual trip to one of the world’s many beautiful libraries.
And to be absolutely honest, the more I learn, the more I want to pack up and travel to all these incredible locations that honor the love of the written word.
It is difficult to find modern architectural structures in Prague. The city is full of beautiful historical structures in baroque, gothic, and renaissance styles, but those who are interested in modern architecture should do well to find something to sate their desire for exploration outside of Frank Gehry’s “Dancing House”.
The modern National Technical Library, created by the Projektil Architekti firm, is an intriguing combination of contemporary architecture with superb interior design. The library, which is a component of the Prague complex of technical institutions, stands out for its style and distinctiveness compared to the more traditional faculty structures.
The lively interior of this modern structure, complete with vibrant flooring and a staircase covered with hundreds of drawings, astounds in addition to its shape and purpose. Students who use the area as a second home while studying for exams find inspiration in this arrangement.
The structure is semicircular in design and features a modern curved glass front. The library is situated on a roomy square that is sandwiched between two older academic buildings, which was taken into consideration by the architects when they were creating the structure.
The ground floor of the library has a gallery space and a contemporary cafe in addition to the six floors of books, reflecting the idea of an educational institution and the significance of libraries in contemporary society. This allows people who are not students to use the National Technical Library as a pleasant place to socialize in their free time.
The building’s form and materials were carefully chosen during the design process to react to modern architectural trends while also helping to make the structure an energy-efficient landmark for the city.
The book storage, parking, and support spaces are all housed on the three subterranean floors of the structure. The entrance, lobby, conference, and exhibition hall, small bookshop, and café are located on the first, second, and third levels respectively.
In addition to being accessible to university students, the library is also open to other locals searching for a peaceful, engaging place to read and work. The building has four doors, one on each side, allowing for simpler access for everyone, which exemplifies its openness.
The entire area is filled with bookcases, books, plush sofas, armchairs, and workstations from the third to the sixth floors.
Along with the books, the architects also included a sizable number of workstations for individual or group work and plush sofas for more leisurely studying.
The glass roof at the top of the structure lets light through, filling the inside with brightness. There are many closed reading rooms on the top level that may be booked for meetings and solo or group study.
The room has a lighthearted industrial vibe. The primary building material is concrete, which is also used for stairs, support columns, and ceilings. No particular architectural features or wall colors have been added. This design provides the room, which resembles an unending network of stairs and books, with a powerful, dynamic appearance.
The floor of each library floor is the most entertaining feature; it is shown as a bright rainbow of pleasant hues. Dan Perjovci, a Romanian artist, did graphic design and art editing. His illustrations, social and political statements conveyed via light shapes, cover the library’s staircases and walls, establishing a direct and more formal environment for working and learning.
Don’t miss seeing the National Technical Library – Inspiring Student Library in Prague if the road ever brings you there. A fantastic location that is a haven for book lovers everywhere…