Anna Rzymelka
University library RWTH Aachen. RWTH Aachen (Germany)
The new university library in close vicinity to the main building of the RWTH Aachen clarifies the irreplaceability of analogue media despite manifold accesses to virtual information and strengthens the connection of the partially outsourced Campus and the historic city centre.
The simple exterior form calms the patched environment while the complex interior structure presents the students all advantages of visiting a library in contrast to do an online research. Beside the neatly arranged and fast accessible books the library offers diverse workstations – reading rooms, group rooms and single workstations.
The composition of the building arises out of the multi-storey atrium, a split-level and the connection of these levels by ramps. The atrium as centre of the building enables the utilisation of natural daylight, a good orientation and the fluent connection of all parts of the library.
The horizontal layering of the room schedule superposes this composition. The pedestal containing the bookshelves that are not open to the public functions as base for the entrance area. The administration area above sets the main part of the library apart from this restless and noisy street level. All levels are subdivided by the cores including the vertical development and the secondary functions and profit by the differentiation of clear heights at the narrow side of the building.
The skeletal structure of reinforced concrete and the light partition walls not only fulfill the current room schedule but also are flexible concerning changes in the future. The façade, a light construction of steel and glass, is complemented by a second layer of expanded metal. The elements, opening according to the sunset, guarantee an optimal sun protection and a maximum view at the same time. The different heights of the elements reflect the interior composition of the building to the exterior.
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