Deichmanske Library (2009)
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
Facts:
Architect
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Client
Oslo Kommune and Hav Eiendomme
Area
20,800 m²
Competition
2009, 2nd prize in invited international competition
Status
Competition proposal
Engineer
WSGreen Technologies
Landscape Architects
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Description:
The Deichmanske Library is conceived as a cubic and sculptural building with an expressive base and calmer upper storeys. The new main library seeks to become a central meeting place given its privileged location as the neighbour of the much acclaimed new Opera House on the waterfront of Oslo, the capital of Norway.
The proposal places great emphasis on the fact that the building has its own distinctive identity without competing with the Opera House next door. Consequently, vertical and horizontal lines have been chosen so as not to disturb the diagonal lines that characterise parts of the opera house. To preserve the direct sightline from the city to the characteristic “shoulder” of the Opera House, a triangle has been incised into the south-west corner of the library, creating a covered outdoor space facing the water. This cut in the building creates an outdoor terrace up to 23 metres high, with an amphitheatre-like concave space below it. This space will become a pivotal meeting place where visitors — sheltered from the wind — can enjoy the sun and the view of the water and the Opera House, making it a pleasant backdrop of the many activities taking place in the square.
The façade of the library will consist of see-through, silk-screen printed glass, which will offer openness and a 360 degree view from within the library, while the activities inside the library will be visible from the outside.
Deichmanske Library is designed to be the first energy positive library building in the world and relies on a holistic approach to sustainability. It is a further development of the passive house. Its entire consumption of energy will be based on sustainable sources. The Library will also produce an excess of energy by photovoltaic cells in the glass façade and hydroelectric power generated from the Akers River nearby. The overall goal is to develop a CO2 neutral building with high comfort levels for the users and low operational costs.
Much effort has also been put into the sensuousness of the building. The emphasis is on human well-being and social responsibility, and the library is open, accessible and democratic. The main parameters of the library are transparency and openness, because it is a building meant for people. In addition, the splendid rooms offer a fantastic view of the surrounding environment.
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