LIBER Architecture Group
Library Buildings in Europe
latvia national library building architecture design exterior view
… , Nacionālā Būvkompāniju apvienība
Library Details
Basic Information
Type
National library
Website
https://www.lnb.lv/en
Year of opening
2014
Total Cost
267,500,000 EUR
Location/Address
University / Institution
Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia
Address
Mūkusalas iela 3
Zemgales priekšpilsēta
1423 Rīga
Latvia
Project Story
Main Motications and Objectives

Six buildings under one roof, more space for readers, individual and group study rooms, dining and other amenities, barrier-free environment for disabled, increased shelving space, incl. open stacks, environment more suitable for material preservation, new ICT and audiovisual equipment, conference, seminar, exhibition facilities.

Characteristics/Description

Situated on a river bank, facing the historical city centre..

The building references several Latvian folklore and literary archetypes – the mythical palace that embodies knowledge and freedom, the glass mountain that symbolizes the hardships one has to overcome to reach his goal, and the shape of the traditional barn architecture. Separate technical building.

Publications

  • The Chronicles of the Last Temple. Dir. Davis Simanis. Ego Media, 2013. Film, 70 min.

    A documentary

Awards

  • Nomination for the AIA Gold Medal

    2013
New Project Data
Type
New building
Competition
Yes / 1998
Architect/s
  • Gelzis-Smits-Arhetips
  • Gunnar Birkerts Architects
  • Hill Interanational
  • Modra Gelza Birojs
Total Floor Area
16,749 m2
Floor Area Open to Public
Shelving Capacity Open Stacks
1,145 linear meters
Shelving Capacity Closed Stacks
Number of Staff
254 FTE
Total Seating Capacity
260
Group Study Rooms
6
Individual Study Rooms
Opening
Additional Features
Special Rooms
Special Features
Additional Comments

Documents: 2.8 million vol. books/periodicals, 1.3 million other (2012). Located in 6 buildings, exhausted shelving space in several departments.