Grimstad Library: A Social Meeting Point
Helen & Hard Architects
The new library in Grimstad has a central, waterfront location. It lies between the old town and the new town center. The intention is for the library to not only be a place to read and borrow books, but for the building to become a social meeting point with the opportunity to host a variety of cultural events. The building is accessible for all.
The context acts as an important driver for the architecture. The building acts as a covered walkway connecting the old town in the north and the new town center in the south. This passageway is filled with a public and cultural program for all the town’s inhabitants and visitors to enjoy.
An existing building on the site, together with the budget, formed a limited framework for the project. However, this limitation was looked upon as a positive; the old structure is partially kept and acts as foundations for the new light timber structure. The compact volume of the building has a rational timber structure. The timber frames are placed with a spacing of 3 m on top of the existing concrete building.
The building is organized over three floors. The main library functions on the first floor with a secluded children’s area on the second. The administration is found on the ground floor. Additionally, the building houses a café, auditorium and exhibition spaces. These are in close proximity to toilet facilities, making it possible to close off this zone for evening events.
Varying the vertical north-facing openings between the prefabricated east- and west-facing panels makes a dynamic façade. This portrays the interior movement, while the building negotiates between new and old.
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