Varna Library

Varna Library

Varna, 2015

New library is compact volume, clear, physically anchored to the site. Four lower floors are solid basis; entrance hall with public purposes. This part is also open to the sky thus forming continued open porch around the building. From inside, the lower part is single volume in whom the free standing, closed cubes are situated. Free space is bounded with angled walls, open towards overhead, allowing light flowing. Full ground plan disposition is achieved between fourth and sixth floor. In this area spaces for visitors and users are placed. This part of the building is open to the outside. Regarding heights, these floors are above roofs of the surrounding buildings what ensures free vistas and contact with sky and sea horizons. Ground floor of the building is the smallest because it implies the biggest area of public space, while in the middle it is rising above city's landscape toward outside, showing its interior. Building is divided in three zones; lower mono volume with closed entrance, middle extroverted reading belt, and closed "cap" housing necessary book storages. Main bearing structure is composed of reinforced concrete shell and inside walls and beams arranged in regular raster. An important constructive element is also a massive core. A facade is made of weather resistant concrete plates while interior is made of wood, focusing the main content. By organizing main vertical communications, consisting of the big service elevator, four visitors elevators and two stairs, functioning of the library is simple and effective. Books have the undisputed path from reception to storages, independently of the visitors. Placing another big elevator provides additional communication to the exhibition space at the first floor and other public areas. Reception of the books is placed in the first basement floor, from which they can be transported, by service elevator, either to the storage or shelves in the library.

Varna Library

competition 
2015
Address: 
Varna
Team:
Igor Franić
Zorana Debeljuh
Tajana Derenčinović Jelčić
Sonja Franić
Petar Reić
Josipa Sarić
Simona Sović Štos

Client: Municipality of Varna

Gross surface area: 17 044 m2

Site area: 6 421 m2