Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg Albert-Ludwigs-Universität university library building architecture design exterior view
Sebastian Bender , Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg
Library Details
Basic Information
Type
University library
Year of opening
2015
Total Cost
52,000,000 EUR
Location/Address
University / Institution
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Address
Platz der Universität 2
79098 Freiburg im Breisgau
Germany
Project Story
Main Motications and Objectives

The number of study spaces available was to be vastly increased, and a much more diversified and differentiated study and research environment planned. Quiet study spaces in the reading rooms and the access to the open stacks on the one hand were to be kept strictly separate from the necessarily louder and livelier group work areas and learning lounges (called “Parlatorium”) on the other.
The new building was also required to be capable of operating 24/7 and to provide an RFID-driven self-service infrastructure backed by a corresponding media transport system. At the same time, the area for the open stacks was to be increased by the conversion of the erstwhile underground car park. Last but not least, the building had to provide enough capacity to absorb one of the larger faculty libraries.

Characteristics/Description

The university library is located at the very heart of the city, in immediate proximity to the university’s humanities buildings.

The building’s key characteristic is its permeability between the – for the most part – freely accessible open-stacks and the non-circulating collection on the floors above. These also offer more than 1,700 study spaces for the patrons: from traditional quiet areas to modern learning lounges.

From the outset, the design aimed at allowing the library to offer 24/7 service and to provide an RFID-driven self-service infrastructure, backed by a corresponding media transport system.

Publications
  • Das andere Freiburg : Universitätsbibliothek und UWC Robert Bosch College. In: Bauwelt. 46.2015, S. 16-27

  • Kellersohn, Antje: Alle sollen mitreden! Die Einbeziehung von Nutzern, Beschäftigten und der Öffentlichkeit bei der Neubausanierung der Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg. In: Zeitschrift für Bibliothekswesen und Bibliographie 2013; 60 (3/4): 131-139.

    (Accessed 13.05.2020)

  • Kellersohn, Antje, Ruppert, Hans Adolf: Neben und unter der Baustelle … 24/7 Service auf dem Weg zur UB Freiburg 2013. In: Hauke, Petra; Werner, Klaus Ulrich (Hrsg.): Bibliotheken heute! Best Practice in Planung, Bau und Ausstattung. Bad Honnef: Bock + Herchen, 2011

  • Kellersohn, Antje: Die neue Universitätsbibliothek Freiburg. Ein Bericht von der Baustelle. In: BIT online: Zeitschrift für Bibliothek, Information und Technologie mit aktueller Internet Präsenz, 2010; 13 (4): 430–433.

    (Accessed 13.05.2020)

  • Kellersohn, Antje, Sühl-Strohmenger, Wilfried: Ein geschliffener Diamant für Freiburgs Innenstadt. In: BuB: Forum Bibliothek und Information, 2009; 61 (10): 699–703

  • Kellersohn, Antje, Sühl-Strohmenger, Wilfried: Die 24 Stunden Bibliothek an 7 Tagen in der Woche. Jetzt auch in der UB Freiburg. In: BIT online: Zeitschrift für Bibliothek, Information und Technologie mit aktueller Internet Präsenz, 2009; 12 (2): 174–175

Awards
New Project Data
Type
New building
Competition
Yes / 2006
Architect/s

Total Floor Area
20,811 m2
Floor Area Open to Public
Shelving Capacity Open Stacks
10,250 linear meters
Shelving Capacity Closed Stacks
75,000 linear meters
Number of Staff
150 FTE
Total Seating Capacity
1,020
Group Study Rooms
4
Individual Study Rooms

Opening
Late, Weekend
Additional Features
Special Rooms

2 seminar rooms, 2 seminar rooms in Media Center

Special Features
Additional Comments

Main usable area is in old building, of 1978. Total capacity of 3.410.000documents.