Library Delft University of Technology: The Heart of TU Delft

Mecanoo was appointed by Delft University of Technology [TU Delft] to develop its library which is located in Delft, Netherlands. Functioned as the heart of the University, the library gives a face to a campus the size of a city district. The first involvement of Mecanoo in the project was when the firm designed incremental upgrades of the learning environments from 2008 to 2011. The firm then also designed the offices spaces in 2015 and finished in 2016.

The TU Delft’s Library

This TU Delft’s iconic library was designed by taking the digital transition into consideration. On the opposite of the Brutalist concrete interior, there is a vast lawn titled at one point and the library slides into the resulting space underneath.

The library comes with a cone taken as the symbol of technical engineering. It pierces the lawn and library, attaching both structures like a pushpin. The library is actually a building that does not want to be a building. Instead, it prefers to play as a landscape. The library has walkable grass roof and climate-controlled facades.

Meanwhile, the existing landscape, auditorium, and library create a new unity to acts as a perfect meeting place on the TU Delft international campus.

Impressive Wall of Books

When you enter the library, you will be welcomed by an impressive wall of books hanging in front of an expansive deep blue background.  The columns placed in the center support the structure as well as provide ventilation and heating. It also illuminates the continuous metal ceiling that flows throughout all spaces.

Defined by its spaciousness, the library’s main hall is invaded by daylight that enters through the climate-controlled glass facades and the cone whose base is considered as the focal point of the space. The inside brings in cathedral-like effect which is inviting and imposing.

The hanging bookcase is attached to the electric blue wall, making the bookcase seems to float even more.

You can see that the blue wall with the hanging bookcase appears like a décor to complement this iconic library.

The Study Areas

The Library Delft University of Technology provides comfortable study areas for visitors. Spaces with couches are intended for the informal study area.

If you take the stairs, you will be directed to a silent study area in the cone.

Here, you can access different reading rooms as well aside from the silent study room following the structure of the cone.

Via Mecanoo