Central Public Library, Kumanovo

Arbresha Ibrahimi

Project idea

The idea behind this project is to design a contemporary Central Public Library in Kumanovo that responds to the growing educational, cultural, and social needs of the community. Today, libraries are no longer viewed solely as places for storing books; they have evolved into dynamic public spaces that encourage learning, collaboration, creativity, and social interaction.

The main motivation for this project is the need for a modern public facility that provides equal access to knowledge while also serving as a gathering place for people of different ages and backgrounds. Kumanovo has a diverse and growing population, as well as numerous nearby educational institutions, creating a demand for a library that supports students, professionals, researchers, and the wider community.

The project is inspired by the concept of openness, accessibility, and the importance of natural light in educational environments. The architectural design is organized around a central double-height reading area illuminated by a circular skylight, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for reading, studying, and community activities. Large glazed facades strengthen the relationship between the interior and the surrounding landscape while maximizing daylight throughout the building.

The primary objective of the project is to create a functional, sustainable, and flexible public building that promotes education, lifelong learning, and cultural exchange. The library is designed not only as a place for reading but also as a modern community hub where people can meet, collaborate, attend cultural events, and engage in academic and social activities.

Through its contemporary architectural expression, efficient spatial organization, accessible circulation, and integration of natural light and green spaces, the project aims to become an important educational and cultural landmark for the city of Kumanovo.

Project description

The proposed Central Public Library is designed as a contemporary public facility that combines educational, cultural, and social functions within a single building. The project consists of an underground floor, a ground floor, and a first floor, each organized according to its functional purpose.

The underground floor accommodates the technical and service functions of the building, including underground parking, storage areas, technical installation rooms, and staff facilities.

The ground floor represents the main public zone of the library. It includes the entrance lobby and reception, the open book collection, the main double-height reading area, multimedia and exhibition spaces, children's reading areas, and other public facilities designed to provide a comfortable and accessible environment for visitors.

The first floor contains quieter functions, including the administration offices, meeting room, archive, digital library, study rooms, additional reading spaces, and relaxation areas overlooking the central reading hall.

The project also includes landscaped outdoor spaces, pedestrian pathways, green areas, and accessible circulation for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. The building is designed to provide a functional, flexible, and inclusive environment that promotes education, research, cultural activities, and social interaction for people of all ages.

Technical information

The construction of this project is based on a reinforced concrete skeleton structural system. The building consists of an underground floor, a ground floor, and a first floor. It is designed with a flat roof featuring a 2% slope for rainwater drainage and a circular glazed skylight that provides natural daylight to the central reading area. The facade combines light stone (marble) cladding with aluminum-framed Low-E double-glazed glazing, while the walls are thermally and acoustically insulated to ensure energy efficiency and user comfort.