The first libraries It consisted of archives of clay tablets in temple rooms in 2600. Spreading over time, they turned into impressive and respected structures all over the world. The modern libraries built today have taken the library concept one step further.

Contemporary versions of libraries, which were once silent shelters, are now far from silence. The best library designs, which seem to come from the future with their futuristic designs, have brand new features that fascinate us. These modern libraries contain various technological equipment such as podcast recording studios, game development laboratories and automatic book retrieval systems. Its stylish architecture and use of the latest technology transform these public spaces dedicated to print and digital media into social spaces for users.

The following best library designs, which are part of academia, knowledge management, design and web technology, also give us an idea about the architecture of the future. Although historians say that the seventeenth century was the golden age of libraries, these new generation buildings seem to increase the interest in libraries.

Best Library Designs | Futuristic & Modern Libraries

1. Calgary Central Library, Calgary, ,Canada

The $245 million library project was designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta and Canadian firm Dialog. The building’s design was inspired by Alberta’s clouds formed by the Chinook winds. The façade, which consists of a combination of hexagonal modules, is a reference to the collective spirit of the library.

Cedar wood, a sustainable material, was used in the building to separate the spaces from each other. The library has a digital learning lab with games and podcast programs. One of Canada’s most anticipated projects, Calgary’s new central library was opened on 1 November 2018 to contribute to the city’s creative and innovative culture.

2. Qatar National Library, Doha, Qatar

The Qatar National Library, designed by the Dutch architectural office OMA, has 485,000 square meters of space. The Doha National Library has a collection of more than one million books brought from the Public Library and the University Library.

The entrance of the building, which was opened for use in 2017, transports the visitors to the center of the building. The six-metre-high glass showcases that overlook the historical archive section, which resembles an excavation site, bridge the gap between the past and the present.

From the main library in the Plaza, you can see all the books in the Heritage Collection. It is not only a storage, but also an exhibition space.

Vincent Kersten, OMA

3. Austin Central Library, Austin, Texas

Designed by the architecture offices of Lake Flato and Shepley Bulfinch, the Austin Central Library opened for use in 2017. The library, with a cost of 120 million dollars, stands out with its sustainability and flexible design. Despite Texas’ drought, the site uses a 373,000-gallon stormwater system consisting of a concrete vault. Known for being the country’s most daylight library, the building has a six-story atrium. In addition to this light-filled atrium, the Austin library, with its two reading portals and a roof terrace shaded by solar panels, has managed to incorporate the exterior into its design.

4. James B. Hunt Jr. Library, Raleigh, North Carolina

North Carolina State University’s renovated Hunt Library opened in 2013. In the building designed by Snøhetta, there are areas intertwined with technology such as interactive digital surfaces, HD video display screens, video game development laboratory. With its wide open study areas and the yellow staircase that connects all floors of the library, an environment with high social interaction is aimed.

The library building contains several sustainable features that comply with the energy requirements of the state of North Carolina, whose requirements are more stringent than LEED requirements. For example, with its high roof covered with solar panels and aluminum canopies on its facade to control the indoor climate, heat loss is reduced and maximum use of natural light is ensured. In addition, the automatic book retrieval system called ‘BookBot’ has effectively reduced the total area of the building, making more room for group work and technology.

5. Tianjin Binhai Library, Tianjin, China

One of the best library designs in the world, Tianjin Binhai Library has a capacity of more than 10,000 visitors. Designed by the Dutch office of Mvrdv, this futuristic library features a floor-to-ceiling atrium surrounded by shelves filled with an endless(!) number of books. But according to some sources, it is claimed that the inaccessible shelves are filled with aluminum plates that look like books. Despite this controversial information, this popular library building, which has gone viral on social media since its opening, has become Tianjin’s number one tourist spot and has significantly increased library use. This once again proves the power of design on the library building.

6. The Arabian Library, Scottsdale, Arizona

Inspired by the canyons of northern Arizona, the Arabian Library is one of Scottsdale’s most impressive structures with its distinctive rusted steel façade. Phoenix-based architectural office richärd + bauer aimed for the building to be a quiet getaway that respects the environment as a design concept. Resembling a stylish store rather than a traditional library, the interiors are designed to make visitors feel at home. Inside the library are Herman Miller chairs that encourage reading and self-service kiosks for checking out books.

The library structure, built using sustainable materials such as natural stone, cotton and soil, received the IIDA/Metropolis Smart Environments award in 2008. In addition, the building has a private parking lot with charging stations for alternative fuel vehicles.

7. The Joe and Rika Mansueto Library, Chicago

Chicago University Mansueto Library, with its appearance, is as if it came out of a science fiction movie. There are approximately 3.5 million books in its warehouse with automatic storage and retrieval systems. The library has a large glass dome that covers the entire upstairs reading room. The glass panels that make up the dome are covered with a pattern that prevents heat. This UV protected area can accommodate up to 180 students at the same time. The library design, which symbolizes the knowledge of the University of Chicago, has also been highly adopted by the university.

8. Philological Library, Berlin

The Philology Library, located on the campus of the University of Berlin, was opened for use in 2005. This eco-friendly building was designed by the famous British architect Norman Foster. Due to its brain-like form, this structure was nicknamed the “Brain of Berlin”. Various active and simple technologies have been used to increase the energy efficiency of the building.

The naturally ventilated, bubble-like shell of this ecological library design consists of three parts. The outer body has aluminum and glass panels that regulate the temperature inside. Supporting steel frames of radial geometry in the middle separate the inner and outer layers. In the inner layer, a translucent membrane filters the sunlight, allowing the right amount of light to enter. This entire system creates an ideal environment for working by using light accurately and efficiently.

We hope you enjoyed our article on “The world’s best library designs and public library architecture examples”. If there are other modern libraries that you think should be on this list, please let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to visit our homepage to discover the latest designs about interior design and architecture! 🙂

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