Two classic libraries in new suits

The new playful fountain at Götaplatsen is part of a general revamping of Avenyn, Gothenburg’s main street. But some have criticized it as Gothenburg’s most expensive playground. The background to the comments is that the City of Gothenburg has had diffuse objectives and project management, leading to unreasonable costs and savings elsewhere.

A project that has fared better is Gothenburg’s “new” library right behind the fountain. In this newsletter, you can see pictures of the extensive renovation. You can also have a peek into another renovation project now completed, the KTH Library in Stockholm.

Click on the images to view a larger version with more details.

Enjoy!


 

One million visitors per year

Gothenburg’s City Library is the city’s most visited cultural institution with over a million visitors per year. It was inaugurated on Götaplatsen in 1967 by the famous children’s author, Astrid Lindgren. And on World Book Day in 2014 it was re-opened after an extensive renovation project that took two years.  

According to architect Peter Erséus of Erséus Architects, it is a brick and glass building combined. It all depends on the viewing angle. Looking straight ahead, it is clear how the glass facade dominates, but if you stand a little on the side the yellow sand bricks take over the view. The building blends in well with the other characteristic buildings around Götaplatsen.

 

Big gets bigger

The building was renovated and expanded from 3,700 sqm. to a total of 12,700 sqm. The outer facade was renewed while the existing inside facade was kept intact. The library has a lot of new features. The children and youth departments have become twice as large and there are now more spaces for reading, study and conference rooms. As well as new stages for various types of events. In addition, the building has become more energy efficient.

 

New entrance to a peaceful atrium

Inside the old main entrance there was a bright atrium that served as an entrance square. Now that the main entrance has moved to one corner of the building, the atrium has transformed into a peaceful and tranquil place. A new magazine section occupies the space, and when you look up at the ceiling it opens to the sky through the small round skylights, one of the many architectural golden nuggets from the original building.

 

Dickson Room, a cultural heritage for rent

Before the renovation began there was an antiquarian investigation regarding which parts of rooms and original details were chosen to be preserved. The Dickson Room from 1967 is one such place except for the carpet which is newly manufactured. Along with several new meeting rooms on the upper level it is available for external hire.
 
The Dickson Room is named after Mr. Oscar Dickson, who opened the first public library in Haga back in 1861. The Haga area was known as a working-class neighborhood and Mr. Dickson chose the location because he wanted to give “the hard-working laborers” the free entertainment of reading. The construction was carried out with donations from the Dickson Foundation and Mr. Dickson self-funded the ongoing book purchases. At his death in July 1873, the collection amounted to about 3,000 books.

 

Improved study environment in KTH Library

The KTH Library in Stockholm is housed in architect Erik Lallerstedt’s laboratory building from 1917, built in the Romantic Nationalism style. It was also used for practical research and engineering, and during extensive renovations in the early 2000’s came the idea of recreating the laboratory garden, the large back room that was built back in the 1950’s. In the autumn of 2016 the next upgrade of the classic library has been inaugurated. The goal has been to create more study areas and an improved study environment.

 

More of everything - lights, people and studies

The number of study places has more than doubled, from 442 to 900. The technology is upgraded with better ventilation, sound environment, more power outlets and new lighting. The large atrium, which used to be filled with tall library shelves, now serves as an open square with islands of combined bookshelves and study groups. After the renovation, the library has enjoyed 4,000 visitors per day and beaten several visitor records.

 

New lighting charges your mobile and computer

For the project, architectural firm Ahrbom & Partners developed a specially designed table lamp in aluminum that has been placed on each study table in the open environment. With electrical outlets placed directly on the lamp it saves installation and makes it easy for students to recharge computers and mobile devices. The unit is manufactured by Ateljé Lyktan, and is part of their studio projects that produce special fittings for specific projects.