Seville: Zaha Hadid for new library at University

03/03/2006 - Zaha Hadid won the Competition for new library at University of Seville. The aim of the new library is to promote cultural activities for the students and 3,300 researchers who use the facility and create a new focus for the University and the City of Seville. The design scheme is based on a half-basement platform appearing over the level of the street. Parking, plant rooms and workshops ventilated and illuminated through tall windows are within this platform On top of the platform, the park is extended to form the public spaces which become transition areas between the park and the library located on the floors above. Users access the building through gardens and four nubs which contain the Common Zone: Reception, Conference Room, Exhibition Room and Cafeteria; all integrated to the adjacent context of ‘el Prado’ park. This transitory area creates an imposing space that attracts and invites users of the building. Due to the linearity of the plot, the building is a longitudinal extension in which the cores/lifts have been distributed along the back façade allowing extensive views to ‘el Prado’ park for the communal and reading spaces. The design of the building is benefited by open areas with panoramic views. It acts as a continuation of the park, progressively rising from a soft material into a strong surface. Open areas, with panoramic views, benefit the ambiance of the building. The quieter south side of the building will be allocated for reading and the northern side is allocated for a flow of activities. On the second floor, study for students and a 600-seat lecture room are distributed across three levels. A main skylight illuminates the hall and the main triple height space of the reception hall becomes the heart of the building. The library, which Hadid says will address the new demands for more technology based university study is scheduled to open in 2008.