NL architects: NUKII library, ljubljana

'NUKII library' by NL architects, ljubljana, slovenia
all images courtesy of NL architects

Amsterdam-based practice NL architects have produced their proposal for the 'NUKII library' competition in ljubljana, slovenia.
the building will be placed on top of the site of a former roman town, emona and is also conveniently located adjacent to the existing library designed by slovenian architect, plecnik. the structure's requirements called for a large program upon the tight plot, leading the firm to dismiss one to fulfill their innovative idea.

the design intentionally disregards the delineated maximum height, using a cross-form footprint to minimally impact the historical remnants and express by extrusion the former public space. the height is exceeded to accommodate the slender profile. the mass of the building fills a previous void, creating an urban inversion. excavation of the ground will reveal the ongoing network beneath the pavement, showing the relationship between the modern city layered upon the antiquated artifacts. the underside of the structure is arched, bridging over the opened earth, leaving the building to touch the site in four landings. a pedestrian path passes through the opening, framing views of the encompassing context.


view from the surrounding context

the common functions are positioned with direct access to the street. the public levels are connected with stairs which span 
the full width of the floor plate. the proportions of the steps double as seating to meet, relax and lounge. these elements are articulated 
within the facade, displaying the internal organization to onlookers. a multipurpose hall features a central space with
seating viewing the area from all four directions. the upper tier contains the enclosed storage levels while a cafe, restaurant,
exhibition spaces, conference rooms and terrace top the solid block to overlook the city.
a second proposal has since been generated and included below which respects the vertical limits of the project.


aerial view of the pedestrian path leading into the excavation site


pedestrian path leading into the excavation site


building lifts up to minimize impact upon the roman ruins below


floor plates and stairs of the public floors are expressed within the facade


facade detail


main entrance to the library


view of the facade of the auditorium


view from the auditorium


auditorium


aerial view of the site and context


context plan


site plan


axonometric


floor plan / level 1


floor plan / level 2


floor plan / level 3


floor plan / level 9


floor plan / level 15


elevation


elevation


elevation


section


program diagram


model


second library proposal which complies with height limits


six levels of program


atrium atmosphere from original proposal is maintained


lobby and atrium


aerial view of lobby

project info:

project title: NUKII - national and university library II
location: ljubljana, slovenia
status: competition 2012
client: ministry of higher education, science and technology republika slovenija
architects: NL architects, pieter bannenberg, walter van dijk, kamiel klaasse
team: genyamamoto with arminas sadzevicius, milda naujalyte, and matthew davis, giulia pastore, adrien mans
with: yong cui, michal krejcik, michaela dlouha and zhongnan lao, yinglin cao