Brixen Library
The site of the competition is located in the old town of Brixen, next to the dome. Adjacent to the church we find the oldest buildings dated with the 12th century. There are parts of foundations that go back to the Roman Empire. In one of these old structures the new city library of Brixen is proposed to be established. Additional an annex building as a new structure is planned.
We suggested to rise a simple building extension, that in his form stays unique, and respects the old building structure next to. With the shape of a pitched roof it reminds the forms of the existing building structures in the vicinity. The new building hosts seminar rooms and an auditorium, while reading and media rooms will be set up in the old building parts, which should be used additional for the library needs. Adjacent to the annex building there is a garden, that is closed up by high walls and will function as a reading garden. Underneath this garden as well as under the site of the annex building archeologists expect some Roman antique walls. The annex building will have a small basement where part of these antique walls will be set free and shown to public, while those under the garden stay covered to be preserved for future.
The shell of the annex building will be built in special concrete with mixed glass crystals that allow walls and roof to enter sunlight and makes them slightly transparent.
The library can be accessed thru the annex building as well over the dome plaza thru the old building structure. It will be a library with two entrances, with rooms and functions along this internal pathway.
