rodrigo mindlin loeb + eduardo de almeida: brasiliana library at USP campus

‘brasiliana library at USP campus’ by rodrigo mindlin loeb arquitetura and eduardo de almeida, sao paulo, brazilimage © nelson konall images courtesy of rodrigo mindlin loeb arquitetura

in 1999 brazilian businessman and bibliophile jose mindlin entrusted to his grandson and his friend the mission to create ‘the biggest and most important private collection of brasil’, located on the university of sao paulo’s campus. the library designed by rodrigo mindlin loeb arquitetura and eduardo de almeidajoins the ranks of some of the largest libraries in the world, housing 17,000 titles and 60,000 volumes that include some of the country’s rarest works. the 22,000 m2 concrete complex will contain an important collection for the institute of brazilian studies, a bookstore, cafeteria, exhibition hall,300-seat auditorium in addition to reading rooms and public halls. an expansive independent roof plane connects the separate structures. a central glassskylight with UV filters and perforated metal plates allows natural light inside while controlling excessive heat gain and glare, and a specially-designed photovoltaic energy matrix that can satisfy all energy needs throughout the day.  having a rather large footprint, the architects took special care to designa green landscape to compliment the voluminous structure. trees on site were transplanted and thousands more were planted in the area for the neighborhood to enjoy.

front facadeimage © nelson kon

entranceimage © nelson kon

image © nelson kon

image © nelson kon

exterior circulation through the structureimage © nelson kon

public walkways around a reflecting poolimage © nelson kon

entrance to the collectionsimage © nelson kon

central plazaimage © nelson kon

image © nelson kon

main collections room with skylightimage © nelson kon

image © nelson kon

image © nelson kon

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