Guadalajara Library |
The
Universe can be represented and kept in the form of a text, only within
one place... a Library. This project suggests a particular utopia: a
place where future generations can enjoy reading within a relaxing,
public "living room". It is a futurist landmark detached from the
ground, inspired in the form of an Ark and supported by vigorous
pillars; the exterior volume follows the profile of a shell. The
library is organised in three bodies: the square and "Belly Square",
sort of gate to the University Centre which is behind, the main Shell
(containing reading and collection areas); the technical tower
(services and support) and a red flying volume, the "New Arrivals"
room, placed like a flag in between the square and the shell. The
programme expects two million books, to be stored mostly as public
collections four levels (L1: Childrens and Youth; Historical Documents;
Periodicals ; L2: Social Sciences, History and Geography; L3:
Literature; Art & Architecture ;L4: Philosophy and Religion).
Geometry follows organic patterns and it is vaguely inspired in trees'
leaves: as a consequence, links, corridors and areas are structured
within curved patterns, creating shortcuts within the space. Readers
walk not more than thirty metres from one collection to another or in
between each level. There are two areas divided by a vertical void:
facing north, the reading area, facing south, the collections. A series
of minimal computers, adapted within small rounded tables and sofas are
scattered within the whole shell.
architect: POUCHULU ARCHITECTS / Patricio Pouchulu - Susanne Biek /
project: 2005 / location: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico / area: 41.000
sqm / budget: U$115.000.000 (estimated) / status: non-awarded
competition / Copyright © Patricio
|