National and University Library

National and University Library
Ljubljana, Eslovenia

Status: Competition
Date: 2012
Client: Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology
Gross floor area: 20.050 m2

Architect:
Antonio González Cordón
Antonio G. Liñán

Team:
Esteban Valencia
Víctor Silveira
Miriam Ribuffo

We make the proposal of an Architecture associated to permanence, not to variation and change. We believe that the city can be transformed through the insertion of a cultural center over an historical and archeological site, and furthermore we expect the streets to be part of the building, and not so much to build a new enclosed façade to the streets.
        
The traditional plots in the historical city follow a typical pattern, a precise alignment of the built volumes in linear streets. In contrast to this clear structure, the urban plots  internally grow by yuxtaposition of volumes, courtyards and multiple interior spaces.

Our proposal works as a single building, but negotiates with the urban environment in two ways. On one hand, we propose a linear volume that recognizes the corner of Zoisova and Emonska Streets, and that works as a linear volume with a 13 m width (similar to the existing buildings of the plot). This volume bears the internal uses of the building (archives, offices, work areas, etc..), and the facade is built with deep sills as a close reference to the local urban tradition. On the other hand, the public areas (reading rooms, study, etc..) are located  towards the interior of the plot. These areas are set using abstract and geometric volumes, a reminiscent of the traditional plots of the old city (linear facades to the streets and a more heterogeneous growth inside the plot).

The connection of protected archaeological remains and the proposed modern library within the urban arrangement of its vicinity is one of the fundamental premises that were included in our proposal.

The intention of the New Building NUKII is to be connected and linked to the city and its environment. The aim is to reinforce the capabilities of the building heritage and the existing fabric of the city,  so the experience of Ljubljana is enriched by its own character. The proposal prioritizes the optimal use of the historic heritage, both on its built architecture as on its public space.

The construction of NUK II on the proposed location for the new building will fulfill the objectives of urban planning, to achieve the protection of the cultural and archeological heritage, and therefore to provide a high quality contemporary urban space. Even more, with these actions would be possible to reflect the local and historical character. The historical space of Roman Emona has a cultural value that should be preserved for the next generations. Our proposal tries to give a new character to this space and bring to it a new meaning and more vitality.
On that sense, the archeological structures of the city are approached with the maximum care, re-using the archeological remains as an introduction level to public spaces. In a general sense, there is a potential link to the public space around the building, using these archeological remains (cardo and decumanus) as a public promenade which recognize the history from a more contemporary point of view.

The boundaries of the area are displayed with a strong connection to the functional relationships between the buildings in the area,  taking into consideration the high concentration of faculties of the University of Ljubljana, the special characteristics of the city centre within the ancient remains of Emona, the existing Plecnik's buildings and the urban arrangements that were developed through the different historical periods.
                   
The proposal does take in account the necessities and limitations of the existing plot, and it organizes the program and spatial solution around the conditions of the existing remains and the complexity of the proposed program.
          
We can conclude that the proposal for the NUKII works firmly together with the heritage of the Place, and promote a positive use of its public space and the surrounding open space.