The design of the Municipal and Communal Public Library building in Bełżyce is a unique combination of the world’s best practices in library architecture and modern trends that respond to the changing needs of contemporary readers. By design as a cultural institution, the library is gaining importance in the local context, becoming an important cultural centre. The increasing number of readers, as well as the growing demands of users, further motivate investment in new, innovative library spaces. The new library in Belzyce fits perfectly into the concept of a modern facility.
According to data from the National Library, 43% of Poles will have read at least one book in 2023, an increase of nine percentage points on the previous year. These statistics demonstrate a growing interest in literature, which further confirms the rationale for building modern public libraries. This project, designed by a team of architects from GK-Atelier, including Marta Zionkowska and Oskar Ciuryła, is the result of a collaboration that combines different design styles and at the same time opens up new possibilities in public architecture in Poland. The architects’ main objective was to create a building that would not only respond to the needs of its users, but also be a unique element of the local public space.
The team decided to use parametric technology, which, despite its novelty in Poland, especially outside large agglomerations, fits perfectly with the concept of a modern library. The choice of this architectural solution was particularly ambitious given the limited investment budget. The project succeeded in combining two seemingly contradictory ideas of the great masters of architecture: “less is more” by Mies van der Rohe and “less is bore” by Robert Venturi. The result is a building that combines a minimalist, modernist volume with dynamic, bold book-inspired elements.
The library building has a simple, cuboidal body, which is enhanced by two distinctive corners inspired by the form of an open book. The first is an arched corner, which alludes to the 90-degree bifurcated pages of a book, forming a gentle arc. The second corner was created by ‘tucking in’ an open book, giving the effect of an interesting cut-out. The façade of the building was designed using parametric forms that refer to the symbolism of flying book pages. This subtle and dynamic variation of the modernist volume emphasises the function of the building, stimulating the imagination of the users. The white façade, in turn, alludes to blank, unwritten sheets of paper, ready for a new story to be written on them.
When designing the interior of the library, the team of architects was inspired by the idea of the third place, which is particularly important in post-pandemic realities. The library is not just a place to borrow books, but a space for meeting, relaxation and work. In the modern library, the central atrium, characteristic of traditional libraries, has been transformed into a more intimate and functional circulation and recreation space, surrounded by bookshelves. This solution has succeeded in creating a space that is conducive to different types of activity and allows for better zoning of the interior. Natural light enters the interior through large side windows, allowing for optimum illumination of the book display area, while eliminating acoustic clashes and ensuring user comfort.
The library in Belzyce offers diverse spaces that meet the needs of different user groups. These include administrative, social, technical and sanitary spaces. Exhibition rooms, book display areas for adults and children, as well as conference and multi-purpose rooms are also available for visitors. The library also has a special children’s area planned, as well as recreational and leisure spaces that encourage activity. One of the most attractive spaces will be the library’s roof, which serves as a leisure and viewing area. During the summer season, it will become a favourite space for users, offering relaxation in the fresh air.
The landscaping project around the library focuses on preserving as much green space as possible and the existing tree stand. Footpaths have been routed through the tangle of trees and organically shaped benches have been placed along them. The green area around the library, especially in the summer season, is intended to have a leisure function, providing an additional attraction for the residents of Belzec.
Project metrics:
Name of the investment: Conceptual design of the Municipal and Communal Public Library building in Bełżyce
Investor: Bełżyce Municipality
Designers: GK-Atelier composed of Grzegorz Kłoda, Marta Zionkowska, Oskar Ciuryła
Area: 700 sq. m
Design: 2024.
Visualisations: Oskar Ciuryła
Read also: Library | Architecture in Poland | Interiors | City | whiteMAD on Instagram
Theme: the new library in Belzyce. The project was inspired by the book
