To meet increasing demands for shelf space, student workplaces and administrative space at the central library of the University for Applied Sciences in Munich, a decision was taken to extend the facilities. The new structure was erected in a heterogeneous urban area on the edge of the Maxvorstadt of the city between various ancillary structures, parking space and a mature stock of trees.
It was docked close to the rear face of the existing library building, to which it is connected by a bridge that is enclosed on all four sides. The new development, a sobre cube, is based on a clear layout that continues in grid-like form through the entire structure. The zone containing ancillary rooms faces on to the existing library and refectory, whereas the main new spaces are on the other side and open to the north-west: on the top floor is the reading room wit
h a gallery level, and below this are two storeys with open-access library facilities. On the ground floor are administrative offices. Access is via the existing library. On the third floor, the link leads straight into the new reading room, which – with its impressive spatial height, exposed-concrete ribbed soffit and large areas of fenestration – is clearly the centrepiece of the extension
It was docked close to the rear face of the existing library building, to which it is connected by a bridge that is enclosed on all four sides. The new development, a sobre cube, is based on a clear layout that continues in grid-like form through the entire structure. The zone containing ancillary rooms faces on to the existing library and refectory, whereas the main new spaces are on the other side and open to the north-west: on the top floor is the reading room wit
h a gallery level, and below this are two storeys with open-access library facilities. On the ground floor are administrative offices. Access is via the existing library. On the third floor, the link leads straight into the new reading room, which – with its impressive spatial height, exposed-concrete ribbed soffit and large areas of fenestration – is clearly the centrepiece of the extension