Currently under construction, Zaha Hadid’s dramatic design for a new Library and Learning Centre rises as a polygonal block from the centre of a new campus (masterplan by BUSarchitecture) at the University of Economic & Business, Vienna.
Employing both inclined and straight edges, the library structure takes the form of a cube whose sweeping lines separate as they move inwards. These edges become curvilinear and fluid to create a free-formed internal public plaza at the centre of the complex. Additional library facilities are contained within a single volume which divides and then intertwines to enclose this glazed gathering space.
At 28,000 sq m the new library is generous in size and will comprise of a ‘Learning Centre’ with workplaces, lounges and cloakrooms, library, a language laboratory, training classrooms, administration offices, study services and central supporting services, copy shop, book shop, data center, cafeteria, event area, clubroom and auditorium. Initiated through a two-phase competition in 2008 the project is slated for completion in 2012.
Zaha Hadid commented: “I am delighted to be working in Vienna as I have a close affiliation with the city. As a centre of research, the Library and Learning Centre is forum for the exchange of ideas. It is very exciting for us to be part of the University’s expansion.”
Pictures at WAN
