Case study for university

library project

PRESENTED BY
ZIN MAR NYEIN
V.B.ARCH-17
Philology Library at the Free University
Berlin

Architect : NORMAN FOSTER

Year: 2001-2005
Location: DAHLEM, BERLIN, GERMANY
 Concept

 Resembles the shape of a brain, dubbed “The

Brain of Berlin”
 Envelope shape combines the notion of wall and
ceiling
 The glazing is used to provide natural light and
views
 The shading and natural ventilation help manage
temperature and daylight
 The outer skin is of aluminum panels with
openings staggered glass, an inner membrane of
translucent fiberglass filters sunlight
Spaces, Old building

 The facade was designed by Jean Prouve following the proportional system of
Le Corbusier and using corrosive Corten steel creates a layer of self
protection
 However , the use was prone to decay , which in the late 90s had spread
 Then, they were replaced with a new system with details of brass
New Construction

 Blends between the historic

structures , like a giant metal
bubble
 Its character combines powerful
aspect of domes with the latest
development in sustainable
structures
 An inner membrane translucent
fiberglass filters sunlight and creates
an atmosphere of concentration
 The scattered window openings
create changing patterns of light
and shadow, with a view of sky and
momentary flashes of sunlight
Metaphor of “brain”

 The white inner skin can be identified with

the brain membrane
 The space between the inner and outer skin
serves as an air chamber for natural
ventilation the building
 Like a brain, is clearly divided into right
hemisphere and the left hemisphere
 The circulation desk is located on the first
floor, right in the center of the atrium, which
is, incidentally, about the place in a human
brain lies the optic nerve
 The technical center is located in the
back half of the basement , the same
place in the human brain are the
cerebellum
 Brainstem in the posterior cranial fossa
in the lower rear of the skull
 The three upper levels as cerebral
lobes undulate, similar to the way in
which extends the surface of the
brain
 Allows a greater number of working
places for readers.
 Interior

 Provides a useful area for 6290m2 spread

over 5 floors, one underground
 The shelves are in the center of each floor,
reading desks arranged around the
perimeter
 The different levels are connected by a
central open stair case and two nuclei
adjacent to the main building
 Two nuclei are parallel structures with fire
escapes, elevator, sanitary rooms and
technical equipment rooms
Facilities

 650 seats, 400 seats with

computer
 One study room with individual
lockers for special readers, one
visual studio room, reading area
newspapers in the lobby
 Two special reading rooms with
visual disabilities also have
special facilities for multimedia
use, room for copy
Structure

 Consists of double – skin facade that uses

wind avnd sun to provide natural ventilation
 Ventilation dusts integrated into the raised
floor of the building, a concrete core with
radiant heating and cooling systems improve
occupant comfort
 The basement is double walled and is used to
preheat the ventilation air prerefrigerar
through contact with the ground
Materials

 A double skin layer supported by a steel structure of

large concrete structure enclosing the five levels of
library
 The outer shell consists of panels of light metal,
aluminum, ventilation elements and double glass
panes occupying 40% of the surface of the dome
 The inner membrane made of a fiberglass fabric
transparent filters sunlight and produces an
atmosphere concentration
 Water pipes pass through the concrete core of the
building are used for heating and cooling combined
with natural elements
 The concrete also serves as a heat accumulator
economical
Light

 Illumination is fixed on the ceiling

in the middle of aisles, except in
the last stage where the
illumination is fixed to the shelves
themselves , since there is no
ceiling
 All desks have plugs and sockets
IAE/ UAE aluminium
Site plan Roof plan
Basement plan Ground floor plan
First floor plan Second floor plan
Third floor plan Fourth floor plan
Section
Section
Thanks For You Attention