yi architects: new stuttgart library

‘new stuttgart library’ by yi architects in stuttgart, germany image courtesy yi architects

korean-born germany-based architect eun young yi has completed the design of ‘new stuttgart library’, a cubic facility conceived as a part of the master development plan for the european quarter in stuttgart, germany. influenced by the structure and organization of the ancient pantheon, the design features a linear-shaped ‘heart’ which serves as a central, multi-storey meeting space that draws in natural light through the roof.

exterior view image courtesy yi architects

clear and geometric in volume, the library’s exterior is defined by a series of regular openings that provide a grid-like effect to the elevations. an arrangement of 9 x 9 glass bricks held within a concrete frame serves as an outer shell to a double facade which shelters a narrow promenade space circumscribing the building. four entrances which correspond to the size and shape of the grid provide access points on the ground floor and lead collectively to the circular entrance hall and ‘heart’. 

grid-like facade image courtesy yi architects

promenade space image courtesy yi architects

continuing on the language and motif of the facade, the ‘heart’ of the library features a series of small interior windows that wrap around the four walls and ceiling of the multi-storey volume. a central oculus located above a 1 m2 ground fountain illuminates the interior while providing a visual focus point for the white space. located above the skylight is the library itself which takes on a funnel-shaped form through five staggered levels. the gallery hall is connected through a series of staircases that are arranged to promote a spiralling circulation around the books.

interior view of ‘heart’ image courtesy yi architects

funnel-shaped library image © vipgavin

images © vipgavin

sectional model image courtesy yi architects

site map image courtesy yi architects

floor plan / level 0 (1) ‘heart’ (2) entrance hall (3) offices (4) sorting area (5) entrance image courtesy yi architects

floor plan / level +8 (1) reading room (2) media presentation (3) workstations (4) graphotek (5) cafeteria (6) offices (7) sorting area image courtesy yi architects

section image courtesy yi architects

elevation image courtesy yi architects