University of Graz Library

Atelier Thomas Pucher won the international competition for the extension and the renovation of the University of Graz main library.

Thelibrary,which is locatedin the heart of the campus, will have a new auditorium for 430 students.It will include 650 reading and working places forstudents, as well as a study and examination rooms, administrative and storageareas.At the moment the library holds a collection of over 4 million information carriers. The design fulfils the requirements of a 21st century library. Volumes of these functional areas will be independently implemented andthree dimensionally combined creating an ensemble of various structures, functions, spaces and styles. A new generousplazadefines the main entrance, creating the necessary free space. The new design reveals partially the original building of the library, such as the original façade from 1895 will be exposed.The design showsa clear distinction between new buildings and landmarked buildings. The public areas of the library constitute a floating bar on the roof of the historic building.A foyer between the main building and the library forms a new central meeting point. The new auditorium is located in the basement under the newly created square.