Halmstad Library Sweden, Building by River Nissan, Rambøll Project, Images, Architect, Design, Photos

Halmstad Library, Sweden : Building

Swedish Library Building – design by schmidt hammer lassen architects (shl)

23 Feb 2007

Halmstad Library Building

Architects: schmidt hammer lassen

SHL complete new library in Halmstad, Sweden

building photo © Adam Mørk

Halmstad Library is set within a parkland setting overlooking the River Nissan and the town’s historic centre. The architectural form was predicated by a mature chestnut tree which now forms the focal point of the circular atrium. The library’s long curved glass façade creates an immediate sense of connection with the library’s parkland context whilst the building also acts as a link between the historic centre and the newer districts beyond.

building photos © Adam Mørk

The building’s internal layout is essentially one single open space, flexible and highly legible: the light and airy structure creates a synergy between the structural columns and the trees outside. The atrium functions as a fulcrum for the entire scheme and also provides vertical connection for the library’s three floors. Surrounding the atrium is the information plaza: an active zone containing reception, computer terminals, exhibitions, a café and a stairway to the balcony floor, and to the stacks in the basement. Set around this zone are the library’s various subject zones, each imbued with a sense of tranquility and light, affording users generous space in which to reflect, read and be inspired.

Constructed using a simple palette of materials – concrete, glass and Nordic larch flooring – the new library’s sculptural form has created a landmark for the cultural life of Halmstad and the wider community.

Halmstad’s new library joins SHL’s growing portfolio of distinctive cultural buildings. Other libraries by the practice include the Royal Library in Copenhagen, the “Cultural Island” in Middelfart, Denmark, the library at the ARoS art museum in Aarhus, Denmark, and Växjö City Library in Sweden.

Halmstad Library – Building Information

Client: Halmstad Municipality
Area: 8,000m2
Construction Sum: EUR 12m excl. VAT
Award: 1st prize
Design 2001-04; Construction Period: 2004-06
Engineer: Rambøll, Sweden
Turnkey contractor: Traditional procurement

Halmstad Library Sweden: Building information from architects

Halmstad Library architects : schmidt hammer lassen

Location: Halmstad, Sweden, north eastern Europe