Pārventa Library | INDIA

The new Library building is the result of two competitions. Primarily the building site was different – right across the street from the current location, next to the newly built Olympic centre. Soon after the first won competition, Ventspils municipality announced the second competition – city agreed with owner of historical house “Smiltnieku māja” and bought that new plot – more accessible, more desirable.

The library is shaped to adjust its location. As surrounded by living blocks, building is designed without clearly defined facades, and its importance is equal from all sides. No front or technical courtyards. The mediator-shaped layout perfectly “sits” within already existing footpath network and attracts all passersby.

Actually, building consists of two “mediators”; one is three-levelled book vortex, and the other – one storey high, glazed volume where the reading-room and the internet space are located; it brings light into the library and is an open view from main streets of Pārventa to its insights, and vice versa. There is no need to put up a sign “LIBRARY” –visual connection between library and central plaza of Pārventa with “Kāpu Priede” (dune pine) fountain works both ways.

The central volume contains three-level high spiral-like construction with books by its sides, which leads from the ground level to the very top, where the children department is located. There are no stairs in all of the building, so it is accessible for disabled people. Also small children (and their parents) can feel safe and are attracted to this building. The central atrium was intended to be a place for cultural activities – prose readings, concerts, movies and exhibitions. This idea touched local authorities and soon followed the decision – to transfer functions of perspective Pārventa cultural centre into the project of Pārventa library. Building “grew” from 800 m2 to 1500 m2 without any loss of shape or image. With a help of folding glass wall between both “mediators” they can function separately –the internet and reading rooms can work late hours when library is already closed;  and late night concerts or prose readings can be organized when the internet and reading rooms are closed.

Large copper sheets are used for facades to emphasize the significance of the building. The copper is inscribed with handwriting of Latvian Dainu Tēvs (the father of the folk songs) Krišjānis Barons – man who dedicated his life to collect and classify Latvian national folk songs (Latvju dainas). Six hundred of individually perforated copper sheets were made to create the facade. Handwriting also appears in the interior –it is used as a visual safety barrier on all glass surfaces.

The biggest challenge was the 3D design throughout all of the stages of the project. Also engineering calculations were made in 3D model. There are no usual wall / beam / slab system. Each element is load-bearing and works along with others to carry the construction. The third level is supported by a metal frame, with span length of 21 meter, and structural frame of elevator. Even ramp railings are load bearing.

First competition: 2006
Second competition: 2007
Technical design: 2007 - 2008
Construction: 2008 - 2009

INDIA architects: Pēteris Bajārs, Ivars Kalvāns, Rūdolfs Jansons, Ieva Baumane, Dina Sotņikova, Ilze Ļuļe
Interior design: Ausma Ķibilde
Construction engineers: MDK Konstruktori
Client: Municipality of Ventspils

Library address: Tārgales iela 4, Ventspils