The new library is expected to attract up to 900 thousand visitors a year. As well as the National Technical Library, which is moving here from Klementinum, there will also be a branch of the city library, currently located in Československá Armáda Street in Prague 6. This fact had to be taken into consideration by the architects and planners and therefore the new library can boast many innovations which reflect its vibrant future life.
Among other attributes, the construction features one of the first projects using asphalt teraco, so-called bituteraco, which is applied at a temperature of around 200˚C and significantly reduces the noise level in the building. Another interesting aspect is the fire safety system which reduces the risk of potential damage to books that water extinguishers could cause. The library is equipped with a system of independent mist extinguishers which, in the event of fire, are more sparing, do not require a large water supply and therefore enable the system to cover the whole building.
The building’s energy solution is a unique aspect in itself, emphasising a considerate approach to the environment. The library was proposed as a compact unit with the minimum of parts, positioned according to the building’s compass orientation. The large open spaces are located in the south-east, south-west and north-west parts, the office complex is in the north-east façade. In this way the external climatic heat burden (sunshine) was reduced while achieving more even lighting throughout the day and year. Solid concrete construction elements assist in thermal retention, either warming or cooling. A so-called hybrid ventilation system was chosen, which minimizes mechanical ventilation and makes full use of automated natural ventilation in a transitional phase.
The work of moving the extensive literary fund into the building has now begun, the library staff are settling in and the work of the architects and planners is finally taking its realistic form. “It’s not every day you get the chance to work on such a unique project, especially one which will serve the general public, so I really appreciate the opportunity to work on the new technical library. I hope that visitors will find it a modern, pleasant place to study and relax, and that it will provide staff with a working environment suitable for the 21st century,” said the Assistant General Planner of the library Ing. Petr Jileček of the Helika company.
The ceremonial opening of the Nation Technical Library will take place on 9th October 2009. The library will offer its users more than 1200 places to study and 300 places to relax. The number of books in store is estimated to be in the region of 1.2 million. Facilities will be available for individual or group study, with a café seating 150 customers, 250 computers for public use, wi-fi connection throughout the building, 300 parking places for cars and 200 places for bikes.
Source: Crest Communications
