library in Česká Lípa

We see the library on two levels: first, as a proud place for the gathering of knowledge, and second, as an open complex for bringing together residents of all ages and backgrounds, where they can study, discover art and culture, or simply spend their free time. From the very beginning, our design therefore worked with the concept of permeability throughout the entire site. Today, the site is occupied by a derelict historic corner building, the façade of a former burgher’s house, and a vacant corner plot that is currently a grassy area.

We place the main programme in a new corner building, loosely inspired by the original urban fabric. The building line breaks and shifts, while the roofline gradually rises towards an accentuated corner, creating a counterpoint to the neighbouring church. The building is heavy and solid, clad in basalt, a characteristic local stone. Large square windows with low sills create a visual connection between the city and the library, while also giving the building a certain informality.

We approach the reconstructed building analytically, exposing the masonry in selected places to reveal its rich historical development. Its greatest quality, however, lies in the preserved vaulted interiors, which accommodate a café, bookshop, beer hall, gallery and multifunctional hall.

The children’s library is placed behind the playful façade of the former house, which has retained its façade but lost its volume. We acknowledge this paradox and make the new volume as visually light as possible with a façade of white expanded metal mesh.

The children’s library is connected to the main building by a bridge housing computer classrooms, creating a unified whole interconnected both inside and out.