VENNESLA PUBLIC LIBRARY(NORWAY)

ELINDA FARIZ

BATCH 2 / 13.053

The Vennesla Library And Culture House (Norwegian: Vennesla Bibliotek Og

Kulturhus) is a public library serving the inhabitants of vennesla , Norway with the area

around 1938 sqm . The building is located in the center of the town and is an extension

of a community center and learning center. Formally known as a library and cultural

center, it functions as a main destination for the residents of Vennesla.

The City of Vennesla decided in 2005 to relocate the library to the city centre,

linking together with an existing community house and learning centre. With the new

building, the government try to establish a public meeting place and to increase the

quality of architecture in the urban area of Vennesla. An architectural design

competition was initiated in 2008; and it was won by the firm helen & hard from

stavanger and the new building was ready in 2011.

This building using glass and wood. Modern architecture is matched with

traditional architecture in this building. Wooden ribs bend around the walls and

ceiling of this library, and also used in seating and bookshelves. The wood material

inside the library provide a soft glow to the interiors and acoustic absorbents , The

air conditioning ducts is behind the lighting fixtures and plywood casing). The

columns wrap around to meet the floor, hollows lined with cushions provide

sheltered study spaces. Stairs lead down to a basement floor containing offices,

classrooms and a local history collection.

The outside of the building also possess a ribbed facade and a striking roof

shape that makes it as a main point in the main town square. Existing buildings

are located either side of the library, but we can see the unique roof and glass

facades that are exposed at the front and wood shading at the back. This facade

make the library is different with the existing building, so the people are curious

and come to the library.

This building is a low energy building. There are geothermal heat pump to

keeps the interior warm, the wood used comes from renewable sources, while air

is released through a rib at ground level, returning through the ribs at the ceiling.

The result is an efficient building with a strong identity that offers a good public

space for the 21st century.

The architects have provided casual reading spaces where individuals and

families can experience the library in an informal manner, forget about the concept

of sitting in straight back chairs at hard wooden desks. The message is relax and

read. This is a distinct building, redefining the concept of what a library should look

like and how it should function for the community.

SOURCES

http://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/vennesla-library-and-cultural-centre-by-helen-hard/5647

http://www.archdaily.com/209340/vennesla-library-and-culture-house-helen-hard

http://www.Wikipedia.com

http://www.dezeen.com/2012/08/01/vennesla-library-and-cultural-centre-by-helen-hard-architects

http://www.morfae.com/1271-helen-and-hard

http:// www.competitionline.com

http:// architecture.yale.edu

http:// cubicboy.cgsociety.org

http:// www.japlusu.com

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