Folkwang Library
Seitliche Ansicht auf den Eingangsberiech und den Hof
Frontalansicht
Frontalansicht mit illuminierter Fassade bei Dämmerung
Blick quer durch den Bibliotheksraum
Ansicht der transluzenten Fassade im Innenraum
Zentraler Lesesaal
Grundriss

Folkwang Library

LocationKlemensborn 37, D-45239 Essen
ClientBau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb NRW, Niederlassung Duisburg
Building period2009–2012
VolumeGFA 1.700 m²
ProcedureCompetition 2006, 1st Prize

The plot for the Folkwang Library is shot through with the tensions between two reference systems: the Baroque abbey’s geometric order finds itself in conflict on its periphery with the steep terrain. The new structure is located on a site previously occupied by a hospital building demolished in 1969, and its built mass responds to the “Prussian wing” facing it. As a result, a sense of balance is once again established in the cour d’honneur. The edifice’s design concept articulates the idea of a jewellery box: an opaque envelope protects the precious core. The reading room lies at the centre,  surrounded by layers of rooms which house further functional areas of the library. The facade design was developed in conjunction with photographer Stefan Müller. Each pane contains a large-format close-up of a quarry. The facade immerses the interior in a soft filtered light. In the evenings the translucent building illuminates the cour d’honneur.