IMB Arquitectos, SLP

Biscay Statutory Library

Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman

BISCAY STATUTORY LIBRARY

IMB Arquitectos

ARCHITECTS
IMB Arquitectos

PHOTOGRAPHS
Åke E:son Lindman

YEAR
2007

LOCATION
Bilbao, Spain

CATEGORY
Library

Text description provided by architect.

The project, resulting from an open competition of ideas, influences a complete unit of Bilbao's urban grid. 

Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman

The area includes an existing building, which has had to be reformed, and an open space, permitting a new construction in response to the demand of the client.

The main argument of this project is to organize the “old” and the “new” in three constructed volumes which belongs to the three major, yet clearly separated functions.

The existing building has been reformed to achieve open and flexible interior spaces, which will be used as public halls for reading and research.

Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman

The new construction includes two new built up volumes. The first one, covered with stone, houses administration.

The second one serves to store the books and is designed like a glass container which expresses and symbolizes the function of the new library to the city.

The texture of the books is used as an excuse to establish a cultural reclaim and the evident dialogue between the interior of the building and the public space in the outside.

Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman

During the day the image of the printed serigraphs, which are representing the written content of the books, are predominating.

At night the artificial illumination intensifies the dominance of the books stored in the shelves.

The storage building extends over a foil of moving water which represents the progress of knowledge in evolution.

Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman

It is materialized on top of a glass surface which allows the light to pass through to an auditorium in the basement.

The architectural ensemble is formed around the courtyards, which are contributing natural light to the habitable spaces.


Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman
Biscay Statutory Library
© Åke E:son Lindman


Biscay Statutory Library
Floor Plan
Biscay Statutory Library
2nd floor plan
Biscay Statutory Library
3rd Floor Plan
Biscay Statutory Library
Site Plan


Biscay Statutory Library
Elevation
Biscay Statutory Library
Elevation


Biscay Statutory Library
Section
Biscay Statutory Library
Section
Biscay Statutory Library
Section
Biscay Statutory Library
Diagram

IMB Arquitectos, SLP
T +34 944 168481 F +34 944 168482
IMB Arquitectos, SLP
Bailén Kalea, 5, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain