Mike Chino

Stunning Open Air Library in East Germany Wins the 2011 Brit Insurance Architecture Award

by , 02/28/11

sustainable design, green design, open air library, karo architects, public library, book sharing, east germany, magdeburg, post-industrial renovation, recycled materials

What began as an assemblage of 1,000 empty beer cartons pulled together by residents in East Germany has now evolved into an incredible open air public library. Designed by Karo Architekten in collaboration with local residents, the grassroots project revitalizes a post-industrial district in Magdeburg, Germany by creating a cultural center and pop-up library where books are free to take and leave 24 hours a day. The project introduces plenty of green space and reuses the facade of an old warehouse to beautiful effect. Opened two summers ago, we’re pleased to announce that the library has won Brit Insurance’s Architecture Award in their annual Design of the Year competition!

sustainable design, green design, open air library, karo architects, public library, book sharing, east germany, magdeburg, post-industrial renovation, recycled materials

Libraries and book lending are a great green practices insofar as they encourage the use of shared resources and cut down on crates of pressed tree pulp circulating the globe. They’re even better when they foster a communal spirit of sharing, as does Magdeburg’s new Open Air Library.

The library was built from the ground up with the support and interaction of the surrounding community – first as a 1:1 model made from beer cartons and later as a finished project with the help of Karo Architekten, who incorporated parts of the facade from the city of Hamm’s demolished Horten warehouse. During its entire planning and construction period the library accepted book donations, which are now available to borrow any time of day without a membership – simply walk up to a cubby and pull out a tome.

In addition to its book lending facilities the Open Air Library also introduces a burst of green public space to a post-industrial district. The grassy plaza features a reading cafe and a stage that hosts elementary school theater plays, public readings, concerts, and other cultural events.

+ Karo Architekten

Photos by Anja Schlamann

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3 Comments

  1. herman miller santa rosa February 28, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I agree with David with our current times libraries are a great resource to take advance of. I’m always wanting more ways to spend time out doors, Open Air Libraries are a spectacular idea. The vibe of this building is similar to trope

  2. emmagleb January 4, 2010 at 4:56 pm

    Does anyone know WHY the tiles were recycled from the Horton Warehous in Hamm?? I’ve researched the history of the tiles, but I’m not sure on their significance. There must have been a reason for 300 of these tiles to be salvaged during demolition and transported 200 miles east to Magdeburg!

  3. davidwayneosedach November 6, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    This idea is great for sunny San Diego, We can use out door 24 hour/day branch libraries. Especially in thisreceassion economy!

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