UNED University Library
Spain CCC ES
José Ignacio Linazasoro
1994
Type
Library
Tags
cultural facilities, Spain ccc
Visitability
Allowed
Description
Interior-exterior contrast: roughness in contrast to the feeling of comfort provided by the generous use of wood and plaster ceilings.Isolation of the readers from the motorway environment. An alternative to 19th century libraries: the library occupies the perimeter instead of the central area. The bookshelves close off the façade, which together with the coffered ceiling lets in light. In this case, light is not synonymous with views. Instead, the views are distant and are outlined in the narrow muntins of the tall windows, on the bookshelves, like the frescoes in Labrouste’s libraries.Upstairs, the layout is inverted: the central space is solid and the cafeteria, meeting room and office areas have bay windows overlooking Madrid’s historic skyline and the Casa de Campo park. The entire layout revolves around a large entrance and reception hall, a hypostyle space in which the small outdoor plaza –almost an atrium– penetrates the building. On the outside, the use of brick is reminiscent of the first University City of the 1930s.(Description provided by the architects)