Varna Library Architectural Competition | ss.mm design

“Meet me at the Brain”:

If this phrase enters the everyday dialogues of the Varna residents and visitors, then the scope of this building proposal will have been successful. By adding popular 24 hr. functions to the ones already included in the building program, such as a café/bar and a small mall with gym at the ground level, we aim to attract a larger number of visitors than would usually be interested in typical sterilized library buildings.

The design is based on the human brain’s morphology –hence the title- where the several different parts of the cerebrum executing different functions are placed and connected around a central lobe, in section, which in our case is the main theatre/auditorium at the upper floors of the building. This unique element floating above the stairhall atrium and the 6th floor roof garden is covered by a zero-energy media interactive skin, made of photovoltaic LED panels that absorb solar energy and generate the power needed for its own function. At the same time, the skin transmits the messages, images and videos of the library, to the city. It becomes iconic symbol and lighthouse for the city center, a landmark.

The environmentally sensitive side of the building is further complemented by the design of public reading gardens both at the ground and the 6th floor (roof garden) levels that include green and water elements. A linear battery of photovoltaic panels at the 6th floor roof cover the building’s energy consumption needs.

Ground level built-up area: 2020 sq. m.
Total built-up area of the overground levels (ground level included): 15775 sq.m.
Total landscaped area in the range of the competition plot and the building: 2741 sq.m.
Number of parking spots in the underground garage: 308 spots