ROSTOCK UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

CULTURAL

Rostock University Library is the cornerstone of a Location Rostock, Germany

Client Ministry of Finance
comprehensive eight-faculty extension of the Rostock Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
University. Gross floor area 13,000 m2
Year of 2000 - 2004
Located on a significant, elevated site on the corner of Albert Einsteinstrasse and Ringstrasse, the construction
library will mark the entrance and stand out as a landmark of the new university. The L-shaped Type of First prize in invited
building creates a new, active space in the city interacting with the students’ café opposite. assignment competition, 2000

The individual study spaces are located in a narrow L-shaped reading gallery towards the entrance
square, separated from the shelf areas by a crevice of light that extends up four storeys.

A large organically shaped carving in the lower floor – leading from porch to counter – defines the
flow in the entrance area of the building. A light steel staircase in the interior crevice of light runs up
through the storeys.

The library is a developing project focussing on energy saving measures. Refrigeration of the
building is embedded in the concrete floors and connected to a geothermal facility.