Universitätsbibliothek (University Library)
Frankfurt, Germany
Hochbauamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main

Landmarked library receives a deft, unobtrusive makeover

	Index | Project Specs
	Click here for slide show. Photo © Christoph Kraneburg

Since this library opened in the 1960s, it has witnessed more changes than just its name. Originally called Stadt- und Universitätsbibliothek (the City and University Library), it’s now simply the Universitätsbibliothek (University Library). Four decades ago, the library housed books and a vast card catalogue—the books are still there, to a degree, but the card catalogue is digitized and computers have steadily taken over other spaces throughout the building.

Accommodating computers was one of many challenges facing the city of Frankfurt’s municipal design department in refurbishing the library’s interior. Designed by Ferdinand Kramer, this building is a registered landmark. Accordingly, the municipal team ensured that any alterations left basic room dimensions intact, including a 98-foot-by-164-foot-large hall. Their solution was to insert box-like modular units that perform a number of functions simultaneously: these room dividers define reading corners, seating areas, research space, and even a small café.

“Book boxes” and seating boxes populate the foyer, while illuminated steel-framed room dividers double as desk space for PC users. In the main reading hall, “combi-boxes” integrate bookshelves on the ground floor with a second level of study space. Two long compartments offer niches for private study. All furnishings and fixtures were manufactured using inexpensive density fiberboard (MDF), colored in black, red, and petrol tones.

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Formal name of project:
Universitätsbibliothek (University Library)

Location:
Frankfurt, Germany

Gross square footage:
14,000 sq. ft.

Total project cost:
$988,270

Owner:
Federal State Hessen, Germany

Architect:
Hochbauamt der Stadt Frankfurt am Main
Dept. 65.31
Gerbermühlstrasse 46-48
D - 60594 Frankfurt, Germany
49-69 -212-35588 tel.
49-69-212-37851 fax

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