papalampropoulos syriopoulou
babel library
Status: Competition
Program: Public library
Year: 2015
Area: 19.000m²
Location: Varna, Bulgaria
Architect: Leonidas Papalampropoulos, Georgia Syriopoulou
Team: Anthi Rozi
The design adopts the borgesian theme of an expanding library structure (‘La biblioteca de Babel’ 1941), which forms an autonomous universe containing all possible human knowledge in its “…indefinite and perhaps infinite number of hexagonal galleries”.
The Varna Library is composed of 62 octagonal galleries and 18 quadrangle vertical circulation shafts that form a spatial composition of flexible, continuous room episodes. The space can be easily rearranged according to the special programmatic needs and the appropriate level of quietness.
Public Zone
In order to transform the building into an active venue, the main lobby area is conceived as a covered, slightly submerged, amphitheatrical urban plaza, which can host events, exhibitions and festivals in close relationship with the adjacent Municipality Building.