Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz (Berlin State Library - Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation)
Undergoing complete refurbishment and a new library, it will have 2 libraries – antiquities and modern collections, with an extensive basement containing strong rooms
Undergoing complete refurbishment and a new library, it will have 2 libraries – antiquities and modern collections, with an extensive basement containing strong rooms
- Foundations – had to create concrete basin, because Berlin has a very high water table – cost €100M. Superstructure c.€350M, so total cost €450 Million.
- Strong rooms would survive collapse of building.
- Have completely restored ‘quad’ buildings – only central reading rooms and vestibule are complete new builds.
- Reading room windows are textured glass – like a watermark in paper – with a 1m gap between inner and outer layer, so that temperature/light/humidity can be controlled between the skins.
- Reading room showing classical influences, underfloor heating, and table legs
- Still a working library throughout the building programme. National symbol of reunification of Germany.
- Due for completion in 2012
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| The intrepid visitors |
