Galinciems Library, Contemporary Latvia Building, Ventspils Architecture Images

Galinciems Library Building

Contemporary Community Architecture in Latvia – design by GAISS

2 Jul 2015

Galinciems Library in Ventspils

Location: Ventspils, Latvia

Design: GAISS, architects

The suburban area of Galinciems is lacking a space dedicated to the community, therefore the municipality of Ventspils is planning to construct a new library building that could serve this function – Galinciems Library.

Galinciems Library in Ventspils building Latvia

GAISS proposal for the open competition is a one storey building with an emphasized roof that unifies the library rooms and the communal areas into one combined free-flowing space that visually breaks down the barriers between the different functions and the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Galinciems Library in Ventspils design

The development of technology has changed the role of a library in today’s society. With an increasing accessibility to information by personal means (such as computers, smartphones etc.) other aspects besides this have gained importance. The library is no longer solely a place for storing books, it is also a space for interaction, be it direct or indirect.

Galinciems Library

This became the central topic for the design – to create a sense of being together under one roof, without compromising the functional requirements of each area.

Galinciems Library

The open plan is given a structure by the concrete beam grid in the ceiling, which marks different zones and allows to fix sliding glass partitions where necessary . The central “room” in the building is the courtyard, which is lit by sunrays that enter through an opening in the roof slab. The courtyard opens towards the park area to the back of the building and creates a calm space for holding small events or reading a book in the open air. The circular opening in the roof creates scenography of light for diverse events.

The roof of the building is supported by its symbolical contents – bookshelves. The facade of the
building is clad with vertically aligned bricks, which create a visual association with books in the shelves of the library. The facade signals of the building’s function without creating direct metaphors.

Seemingly randomly organized steel letters are integrated into the facade and the pavement
surrounding the building. If arranged correctly these letters form classic lines by famous Latvian poets that are embedded within the library. This becomes a game for the visitors and creates a timeless character for the building. Through a playful element people are introduced to new impressions which stay with them even when they have left the building.Galinciems Library

Galinciems Library – Building Information

Architects: GAISS
Design Team: Arnita Melzoba, Karlis Melzobs, Andra Odumane, Davis Simons
Location: Ventspils, Latvia
Area: 523,6 sqm
Status: Open competition
Year: 2015
Client: Ventspils library

Galinciems Library

Galinciems Library in Ventspils images / information received from GAISS

Libraries

Location: Ventspils, Latvia, Baltic region, Eastern Europe

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Website: GAISS