Scientific library in Berlin

The project proposal addresses the southern part of Spreeinsel, Fischerinsel, location within the historical heart of the city of Berlin. As one of the first settlements in the city of Berlin, Fischerinsel represents location that has undergone various morphological transformations and has a great historical importance. Current morphological structure of the location is defined by the dominant elements of six residential towers, that are strongly defining the space. The location of the project for the new Scientific Library represents completion of the urban form of the Spreeinsel. Although the Spreeinsel currently has mostly residential character, designing the Library building enriches the functions within the neighbourhood. Strategical position of the library is even more highlighted with its position on the Fischerinsel, where a project for redefining the residential neighbourhood is being reflected in defining the Hortus Conclusus of Fischerinsel, with library building as its part, and main element that enriches the composition and urban functions. Position of the library as such is completing the existing morphological order created by the residential towers built in 1970s. As an independent entity, the enclosed garden of the new scientific library represents city within the city, where another interesting aspect is being evident, incorporation, ‘’the doll within the doll’’ concept. Theme of incorporation represents significant part of my research that reflected on design, starting from the references such as antique Greek temples, symmetry, order, Russian doll concept, that further influenced design of the very library, with ‘’infinite’’ continuous vertical communication system, stepped readings areas, gallery space and bookshelves disposition that is starting from the first library space level following up to sixth floor and providing space for study areas, meeting rooms that are further becoming more private, isolated reading areas, defined as cubicals. Although the garden of the library and building itself, due its form, materialization and scale create one strongly defined entity, it reflects the main purpose of its proposal which is the completion of the urban form of the Fischerinsel, redefining its urban space and creation of the new landmark, city gate, entrance to Berlin from the river with the library building as a metaphor such as tower of Montaigne, as a delimitation element of the new hortus conclusus within the city of Berlin.