cưng architects proposes transparent structure for varna library comp.

cưng architects proposes transparent structure for varna library comp.
all images courtesy of cưng architects 

the municipality of varna, with the chamber of architects in bulgaria, announced an international competition for a new ‘varna regional library’ earlier this year. the competition has since completed, but in its duration produced a range of interesting concepts and structures. presently, the institution of the ‘library of varna’ houses a collection of over 860,000 documents and artifacts. however, this massive assemblage of materials is spread across six different buildings in the bulgarian port city. the brief called for a singular place where these assets could be located, as well as provide an active public space in varna’s center.

seaside garden reading room

young studio cưng architects was one of many participants in the competition. their proposal was to create a ‘modern sculpture’ that would, in a sense, be a monolithic artifact that would hold thousands of other artifacts. a bit unclear metaphorically, the proposal is saved by retaining a strong architectural language that fits well within the context of neighboring structures. the proposed ‘library’ is constructed using a mix of monochromatic polycarbonate and glazed panels, with a dominantly white marble interior. the façade is both transparent and solid, which was done to both entice possible guests, and provide a clear view to the seaside garden: the city’s largest, oldest, and best known park. 

site view

view from osmi primorski polk boulevard

main plaza

entrance lobby 

top floor of reading room 

the transparent reading area is three stories tall 

looking over varna 

concept diagram

urban diagram 

sight line to the seaside garden park 

project info:

architects: cưng architects
location: varna, bulgaria
architects in charge: thanh hoang phuc ly, khuyen do
design team: dinh anh huy nguyen, xuan trang nguyen, tien vinh trinh, trong nhan ho
project year: 2015
ground level built-up area: 2,073.74m²
total built-up area of the overground levels: 11,814.23m²
landscape areas in the range of the competition plot and the building: 4,346.26m²
number of parking spots in the underground garage: 260

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