National Library of Israel | ART & BUILD Architect

The symbolic significance of the new library is embodied in the design itself. This is an open, adaptable and evolutive proposal. This is an architecture which unites a new building with an historic institution, anchored upon the earth yet open to the sky. The design embodies a story - a history even – an unbroken, linear body emerging from the sediment of the past, rising, evolving, and suddenly animated into a body which spreads out to embrace the sky. The trace of this linear form is also the fundamental design response to a complicated programme. The proposal is simple and efficient. Horizontal connectivity between zones is made a priority, as these connections are effortless and encourage fluid circulation. Zones are thus connected to form a ‘strip’ where important programmatic connections are made most effectively. This programmatic strip is then looped around to enable fundamental physical connections in a vertical manner. The public entrance area at ground level is thus connected to the magnificent reading rooms, for example. This is a powerful yet functional gesture. It animates the building, providing dynamic spaces. It makes a clear statement as to the entrance location. It gives visitors an immediate comprehension of where to go, be it for using the facility, meeting other people, or simply rejoicing in the architectural spectacle. The building could be said to ‘begin’ with the precious collections, kept below ground where their security is assured. Public functions are then integrated at grade level enabling accessibility and inviting visitors to discover the library’s treasures. These areas enjoy the full spatial impact of the patio and entrance area, with plays of light and shadow exalting the spirit. Other storage areas and administrative facilities are located according to the same programmatic analysis of density and rationality. Care has been taken to keep areas open to the public clearly withdrawn from those which welcome the public, drawing upon intuitive architectural devices and appealing to visitors’ collective consciousness. Finally, research areas and reading rooms are maintained in the upper floors, bathed in natural light and enjoying views up towards the Knesset and back across the Jerusalem. Vehicle access to the facility is strictly separated from pedestrian areas. Parking and delivery to storage and administrative areas are kept below grade, and are integrated into the site plan through the ‘fault lines’. These topographic devices structure all ground level zones beyond the confines of the building, and provide a passive security barrier, obviating the need to ‘fence in’ sensitive areas. They also enable natural ventilation and light to any below grade auxiliary areas, providing a comfortable working environment even in zones usually condemned to darkness. The facades have been designed in order to further express the architectural narrative, while contributing to the buildings ecological effectiveness. Symbolically, the evolution of the facades as the building rises and twists through space parallels the history of writing itself, and reminds us of our universal cultural bonds. Beginning with marks engraved in stone, expressions of the Word become successively lighter, and the writing becomes dematerialized. As calligraphic traditions demand, graphic continuity is wilfully maintained throughout the facades’ evolution from ground condition to sky, even though the materials may evolve from solar fins to enamelled glass. Sunlight itself is invited to animate the spaces around the building in a natural, generating a spontaneous display of calligraphy. Care has been taken to ensure that the building’s ‘5th facade’ or roof – largely visible from the neighbouring Knesset - enhances the strong architectural gesture, all the while offering functional opportunities and environmental benefits. Natural light and ventilation to central cores is possible through horizontal vents. The stepping up of successive layers provides roof areas perfectly suited to open air performances, and these areas are designed as mini-amphitheatres. Intensive planting is also possible to selected roof areas, providing insulation and water retention. The proposal draws upon inspiration from a number of environmental approaches. Energy consumption and cooling requirements are kept low by reducing the above grade volumes to a minimum. Storm water and rain water is channelled and held in the ‘fault lines’ running through the site, which enable lush vegetation to grow in the central haven of the patio. These plants, through their transpiration, enable a micro-climate to form, cooling the air and further reducing cooling loads upon the building. Other zones created by the new site topography provide micro-climates themselves, encouraging a multitude of planting schemes which invite bio-diversity, all the while reducing risks of allergy-provoking organisms.