Checking the capacity and spatial possibilities of Klementinum
Petr Souček, 2nd year
THEME
The National Library in Klementinum - is it really necessary to move the National Library from Klementinum, as the building does not meet this purpose?
If it is not necessary, then Klementinum should probably undergo some modifications.
How should we then treat the old building with a new function?
After a year of examining the situation regarding the mentioned problem, I must conclude that relocating the National Library is an unconsidered and ultimately unnecessary step.
CONCEPT
I believe that the library is one of the most important places created by humans.
I believe that when I enter a library, I know I am in a world of books.
I believe that the library represents the theme of "curiosity".
I believe that the library represents the theme of "free space".
I believe that any library should be clear.
During the reconstruction of the building, the author can retain what they find most valuable. They can also remove the less valuable elements, but, and this then becomes their duty, they must replace it with something stronger-better.
DESIGN
I have decided that the library would benefit from removing clearly unnecessary layers from various eras, but not only that. The strongest element in Klementinum (as a building) is its layout: a clearly readable cross with central staircases. Various halls and operations connect to it. These can change over time and function. But the cross, as a sort of hardware of the building, remains. This idea of how Klementinum functions justifies and obligates me to enter it freely, as the library requests, and at the same time, to ensure that its main structure is not violated.
From Platnéřská Street and along the embankment, I am removing the entire interior of the wings, so I can insert two main library structures with free selection and reading areas.
For the library to be a library, it needs free space. What solution can be adopted in a building based on a cross layout?
As a connection between the floors, I use the space of a sort of newly built chapel in the place of the old chapel. This is a large space that is empty, accessible only from the ground floor, and can only be observed from other floors. Next to the chapel is an always-relaxing living room corner at the corner of Platnéřská and Křižovnická streets.
The method of approaching such a monument-protected object is a kind of surrealistic to poetic position. I want the library to be a light poem.
I am placing various types of structures with different functions inside Klementinum and in one of its courtyards. These include a "discarded suitcase of books". An outdoor book depository. A large levitating brain of books. The passage under its mass forms the entrance to Klementinum from Mariánské Square.
A change of the original function is the transformation of Machoň's wing into the entrance hall of the library.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
Libraries - are designed as a self-supporting light steel structural skeleton, an infinite structure that holds its own books as well as books on the upper floor. Elevators, staircases, and toilets are integrated into it. Reading areas are suspended from it.
Chapel - a monolithic heavy shell with colorful round openings. Illuminated by a glass roof.
Suitcase - a steel shell filled inside with concrete and individual floors of the depository.
CAPACITIES
Number of books in free selection - 3 million.
Number of books in storage (suitcase) - 3.5 million.
Number of study places - 1200
The National Library in Klementinum - is it really necessary to move the National Library from Klementinum, as the building does not meet this purpose?
If it is not necessary, then Klementinum should probably undergo some modifications.
How should we then treat the old building with a new function?
After a year of examining the situation regarding the mentioned problem, I must conclude that relocating the National Library is an unconsidered and ultimately unnecessary step.
CONCEPT
I believe that the library is one of the most important places created by humans.
I believe that when I enter a library, I know I am in a world of books.
I believe that the library represents the theme of "curiosity".
I believe that the library represents the theme of "free space".
I believe that any library should be clear.
During the reconstruction of the building, the author can retain what they find most valuable. They can also remove the less valuable elements, but, and this then becomes their duty, they must replace it with something stronger-better.
DESIGN
I have decided that the library would benefit from removing clearly unnecessary layers from various eras, but not only that. The strongest element in Klementinum (as a building) is its layout: a clearly readable cross with central staircases. Various halls and operations connect to it. These can change over time and function. But the cross, as a sort of hardware of the building, remains. This idea of how Klementinum functions justifies and obligates me to enter it freely, as the library requests, and at the same time, to ensure that its main structure is not violated.
From Platnéřská Street and along the embankment, I am removing the entire interior of the wings, so I can insert two main library structures with free selection and reading areas.
For the library to be a library, it needs free space. What solution can be adopted in a building based on a cross layout?
As a connection between the floors, I use the space of a sort of newly built chapel in the place of the old chapel. This is a large space that is empty, accessible only from the ground floor, and can only be observed from other floors. Next to the chapel is an always-relaxing living room corner at the corner of Platnéřská and Křižovnická streets.
The method of approaching such a monument-protected object is a kind of surrealistic to poetic position. I want the library to be a light poem.
I am placing various types of structures with different functions inside Klementinum and in one of its courtyards. These include a "discarded suitcase of books". An outdoor book depository. A large levitating brain of books. The passage under its mass forms the entrance to Klementinum from Mariánské Square.
A change of the original function is the transformation of Machoň's wing into the entrance hall of the library.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
Libraries - are designed as a self-supporting light steel structural skeleton, an infinite structure that holds its own books as well as books on the upper floor. Elevators, staircases, and toilets are integrated into it. Reading areas are suspended from it.
Chapel - a monolithic heavy shell with colorful round openings. Illuminated by a glass roof.
Suitcase - a steel shell filled inside with concrete and individual floors of the depository.
CAPACITIES
Number of books in free selection - 3 million.
Number of books in storage (suitcase) - 3.5 million.
Number of study places - 1200
The English translation is powered by AI tool. Switch to Czech to view the original text source.
0 comments
add comment
