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
designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.
edited by: nick brink | designboom
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