MKIC

VILNIUS UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SUBDIVISION

Location

The library is on the outskirts of Vilnius. In recent years, a relatively quiet and green location of the existing university campus is changing significantly – a new agglomeration of education facilities has been emerging here.
The library is located near the pine forest, at the intersection of the main pedestrian path and a new access road. Neighbourhood of the forest has inspired a spatial conception of the library – cosy inside spaces and their linkage with the nature.

Structure of the spaces and its qualities

An intimate amphitheatre-plaza is welcoming a visitor. A glazed entrance hall is a continuation of the plaza space. The same as the outside, it has concrete floor and terracotta facades. The ground floor, which functions as a central circulation space, also includes a conference hall, cafeteria, periodicals-reading room with an open-air terrace.
As walking further, one is entering reading rooms located on several floors which are connected by an atrium, focusing the view to the forest. Two glazed facades face the wood and illuminate the trees at night. At the daytime, the trees are sunlit and become a visual part of the interior.
The spaces are diverse and easily transformed. In the interior, white colour dominates and exposes books as well as people.

Volumetric expression and facade features

We believe that the library should radiate an emotional charge because it is a place of non-material creativity and spirituality. Therefore, we have chosen the scenery of expressively and unpredictably varying silhouettes as the main architectural language.
The volumes are cladded with white terracotta elements. The facades are arranged so that all joints and gaps are horizontal and run parallelly around the building despite different angles of leaned surfaces.
Rooms are naturally ventilated via window openings. Solid south-side partitions hide people and books from direct sun and overheating.