National Library of Latvia
The National Library of Latvia, also known as the Castle of Light, is a library and cultural institution on the left bank of the Daugava river, Riga.
The National Library was originally formed in 1919, shortly after Latvia was proclaimed an independent country at the end of the First World War. The growth of the library over the decades meant that the stock was divided between various locations across the city of Riga.
In 2008, construction of the new library began, designed by the architect Gunnar Birkerts, who had been given the commission back in 1989.
Birkerts took as inspiration for his design, the idea of a crystal mountain, which in Latvian folklore symbolises the height of achievement and the commitment required to attain it. The ‘castle of light’ is an evocative metaphor in Latvian culture for lost wisdom that will be regained once the population is able to overcome occupation and war.
The building is 68 m high, 170 m long, and takes the form of an asymmetric triangular slab topped with a jagged crown. It is a concrete structure clad with glass, with steel-framed higher floors. Its glassy slopes mirror the spires that shape the skyline of Riga’s Old Town across the river.
Natural light floods down through three skylights into a large 8-storey atrium below the glass crown apex.
The project was completed in 2014 to its 193 million euro budget, and is used for a variety of cultural purposes, including conferences and conventions. A prominent landmark on Riga’s skyline, it is considered one of Latvia’s greatest cultural projects of the 21st century.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Cathedral of Brasilia.
- Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.
- Kunsthaus Graz.
- Sage Gateshead.
- Tempe Municipal Building.
- Tianjin Binhai Library.
- Unusual building design of the week.
- Western City Gate, Belgrade.
[edit] External resources
- National Library - Official site
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.