BTU Cottbus

with Herzog & de Meuron (1998-1999).

The seemingly random sculptural shape of the Brandenburg Technical University (BTU) Library is the result of an urban strategy to connect the institution and the town.  The appearance of the building changes on all sides due to the folding nature of its surfaces. The broad organization inside the building consists of book stacks in the center (or where the floor plates overlap) and reading spaces towards the periphery (with larger spatial volumes) that receive natural light.  Floor plates are cut differently at each level while maintaining a consistent envelope thereby generating a variety of peripherial spaces used as reading areas. A strategy of tree plantation towards the southern edge ensures a natural sunscreen.