Varna Library | Carlos Rallo de la Cruz

Our Varna Library proposal was clearly organized to maximize views and non direct natural light in reading spaces which are connected between them through holes in the floors. In the street level, the exterior plaza and the unify lobby is friendly open to create meeting points where expositions and free working and studies areas are located.  In the next levels main library storage is located on the back of the building keeping reading areas always looking at the Osmi Primorski Polk Boulevard.

Each level is visually connected creating a space discovery experience for the users of the library. Each level has its own double high space where reading desks are located, always with its own exterior terrace to avoid direct sun light. These spaces are human scale dimensioned to provide a comfortable reading area without huge empty space.

Last 3 levels have no library storage and therefore 360º views are available. Children’s level include different patio configuration where they can read and play safe.

Volume of the building has a rectangular form in ground level with the intention of creating, between Professor Marin Drinov street surrounding buildings and the opaque library main storage, a green filter with trees and free space. Additionally a second main entrance to the lobby is located there for people that access the library from the north.

The whole building has the same facade which is being built with coloured vertical elements with different distance between them depending on the light request.  From the exterior of the building people understand quickly that the building is a library due to the bookshelf appearance and double height spaces that reflect the primary concept of a library which is a place where books are accumulated. Coloured facade helps to create an icon building for the city and is clearly identify with library aesthetic.

Project additional information:

2400 m2 ground level built-up area

17.260 m2  total built-up area of the over ground levels (ground level included)

4021 m2 ground level landscaped areas

344 parking spots in the underground garage