schmidt hammer lassen architects to Build Largest Library in Scandinavia

Danish practice schmidt hammer lassen architects (SHL Architects) has won an international competition to design Urban Mediaspace, the largest public library in Scandinavia. The €228 ($288) million scheme, located in Aarhus, Denmark, will become a new visual and cultural focal point for the city whilst pioneering the next generation of library design.

SHL Architects was announced the winner on March 4, after an extensive consultation process with the Municipality of Aarhus; the other practices involved in the competition were a partnership between the Dutch firm Mecanoo and GPP Architects from Denmark and A-Team - a collaboration between two Danish companies, AART and Arkitema.

SHL Architects' innovative, 30,000 m2 (323,000 sf) scheme reassesses traditional concepts of library design.  Instead of a building focused around books, Urban Mediaspace is a hub of social interaction, incorporating interior and exterior recreational spaces for studying, socializing, and relaxing. The building will also have the capacity to host multi-media and cultural events.

Urban Mediaspace is part of a wider plan to regenerate the old cargo docks on the harbor front, connecting it to the old city center. The competition jury described SHL Architects' design as a beautiful and highly-functional city harbor space, reflecting a deep understanding of the challenges faced when designing a public library. The new areas will offer flexible and exciting spaces with many possibilities for socializing and contemplation.

The building's distinctive heptagonal-shape design will be a landmark in Aarhus. The library's offices will have impressive panoramic views over the harbor with steps leading out on to the waterfront. SHL Architects' design connects the library to the Aarhus River by creating an external recreational area that will run along the south side of the Urban Mediaspace. The building's glazed facade will create light, well-ventilated interior spaces whilst also making the inside of the library visible to passersby, inviting the community inside.

SHL Architects has established itself as a leader in the design of libraries through their consistently innovative buildings that reflect the practice's track record of delivering versatile and democratic designs. SHL Architects' UK-based library projects include, Aberdeen University Library and the Library Learning Centre in Sheffield - a two and a half story library complex which will provide exceptional facilities for teaching and learning.

Partner of SHL Architects Kim Holst Jensen said: "We are delighted to have won such a prestigious and culturally important project.  At SHL Architects we believe that library design is about more than just books.  Libraries revolve around people and should provide flexible spaces for social interaction as well as studying. Urban Mediaspace further establishes the practice as leaders of this democratic, social kind of library design."

Facts About “Urban Mediaspace”
Area: 30,000 m2 (323,000 sf) above ground. 30,000 m2 (323,000 sf) subterranean parking
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Construction sum:  €228 ($288) million
Competition year: 2008-2009
Competition type: Restricted, international  
Project Partner: Kim Holst Jensen
Client: The Municipality of Aarhus and Realdania
Engineer: Alectia (DK)
Landscape Architect: Kristine Jensen (DK)
Quantity Surveyor: Capita Symonds (UK)
Other consultants: Artists Bosch & Fjord (DK),
Library Consultants from The Danish School of Librarians Dr. Art Henrik Jochumsen and Dr. Art Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen  

Images: schmidt hammer lassen architects