Krefeld Media Library
Client: City of Krefeld / Location: Krefeld / GFA: 7,500 m²
Completion date: 2008 / Competition: 1st Prize 2002
Architecture: HPP in collaboration with Dieter Berten
A lack of inclination to spend time in the city of Krefeld’s Theaterplatz was
what led the city to hold a competition for a new urban development plan for
the
district between Ostwall, St. Anton-Strasse, and Königstrasse. The new
Media Library is the first stage of the planned development of this
public
space, where the silk-weaving house and the state theater
are also located. From an urbanistic standpoint, the new building, like
the old municipal library that preceded it, is situated parallel to the
landmark-protected city theater on
the west side of the Theaterplatz.
A clearly delineated, three-story building was created on a
rectangular ground plan with a glass entry façade that gives onto the
Theaterplatz. The inviting windows are framed on the sides by dark grey
natural stone. Large, white slabs on the façade shape the building
exterior on the structure’s longer sides. Strip windows that have
offset heights and can be opened establish the spatial ar-
rangement of the building’s interior when the structure is viewed from the out-
side.
A protruding, exposed concrete slab binds the different façade elements
together while at the same time serving as a canopy that introduces the
build-
ing.
The Media Library is accessed via the extended main entrance in the Theater-platz. From the foyer, where the information, exhibition areas, and booking counters are located, the visitor enters the glass-roofed atrium. The unusual interior design, which is based on the concept of a “continuous space,” can be seen here in its full dimensions: ramps that take off upwards around the foyer and the central exhibition and lecture area connect the terraced, ascending book dispensing levels in a flowing and unencumbered fashion. The visitors stroll through the Media Library as if they were on a boardwalk and, depending on their location and level as they do this, they continually experience new spatial impressions.
