Cultural Library

Project idea

A cultural library building featuring a distinctive diagrid structural facade and a skylight running through the roof, situated within an urban context near a river.

Project description

The project is a cultural library designed as a multi-story building with a transparent diagrid structural system on its facades, allowing visual connectivity between interior and exterior spaces. The building features a dramatic glass skylight strip cutting through the roof, bringing natural light deep into the interior. The ground level appears to include public spaces and landscaped areas with trees, creating an inviting entrance. The building is positioned at a prominent urban intersection near a waterway.
The Cultural Library and Community Learning Center is designed as a multifunctional educational and cultural facility serving residents, students, researchers, artists, and visitors. The building combines traditional library functions with flexible public spaces that encourage creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.
The building envelope combines concrete, glass and steel. Solid façade portions provide thermal protection and privacy, while transparent areas maximize daylight and visual connection.
Through its open spatial organization, environmental responsiveness, and strong cultural identity, the project aims to redefine the role of the contemporary library as an inclusive public institution that supports learning, creativity, and social engagement.

Technical information

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Project Type
Cultural Library and Community Learning Center
Location
Lideta, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Site Area
Approximately 748 m²
Building Height
Ground Floor + Four Floors (G+4)
Structural System
Hybrid steel column & diagrid structural framework with reinforced concrete foundation and core elements.
Foundation System
Reinforced concrete isolated footings & strip foundation connected by foundation beams designed to accommodate site conditions and structural loads.
Floor System
Composite steel and concrete floor assemblies supported by primary and secondary structural members.
Roof System
Lightweight steel roof structure incorporating skylights for daylight penetration and natural ventilation.
Façade System
• steel diagrid exoskeleton
• Double-glazed curtain wall system
• GFRC concrete panels
Environmental Strategies
• Natural daylight optimization through skylights and glazed atrium
• Cross ventilation through permeable circulation spaces
• Reduced artificial lighting demand
• Thermal buffering through solid façade components
• Visual connectivity promoting user orientation
Material Palette
• Exposed steel structure
• Reinforced concrete
• Double-glazed glass
• Steel connection systems
• Locally sourced finishing materials
Accessibility Features
• Universal access entrances
• Elevator access to all levels
• Accessible sanitary facilities
• Barrier-free circulation routes
Main Functional Components
• Public Library
• Reading Spaces
• Digital Learning Center
• Community Exhibition Area
• Seminar Rooms
• Cultural Archive
• Multipurpose Hall
• Café and Social Spaces
• Outdoor Learning Terrace
• Administrative Offices

Documentation

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