Now this is a library that you'll want to go to.
I wandered in because I wanted to check out a few magazines, but it's so impressive I almost forgot about that. It's simply fabulous. It's interesting, abundant, fun, quirky and inspiring. It just happens to be right near Amsterdam Central station, surrounded by water, and with views across the city. If you happen to be a little peckish you can treat yourself to some super fresh food at La Place Cafe on the 7th floor too. I enjoyed the terrace, sun, and views, sipping on a delicious, fresh pineapple and mint juice.
Centrale Bibliotheek Amsterdam was conceived by Jo Coenen, the former state architect of the Netherlands. Completed in 2007, it cost 80 million to build, and occupies a whopping 28,000 square metres. Curved furniture and shelving gives a sense of flow throughout the spaces. All the zones are defined, yet flow into and around each other. I was drawn into each one. Curved desks, seats, seating pods; all comfortable and conducive to work and relaxation. I could have stayed there for hours, exploring and appreciating it floor by floor.
So how about its functionality? In addition to unique collections, the library also consists of a theatre, a radio station, conference rooms, exhibition space, a music department, study pods, 600 Internet-connected computers, 50 multimedia workplaces, 110 catalogue reference terminals and 11 print and copy stations. Basically whatever you need, you will find.
I wandered in because I wanted to check out a few magazines, but it's so impressive I almost forgot about that. It's simply fabulous. It's interesting, abundant, fun, quirky and inspiring. It just happens to be right near Amsterdam Central station, surrounded by water, and with views across the city. If you happen to be a little peckish you can treat yourself to some super fresh food at La Place Cafe on the 7th floor too. I enjoyed the terrace, sun, and views, sipping on a delicious, fresh pineapple and mint juice.
Centrale Bibliotheek Amsterdam was conceived by Jo Coenen, the former state architect of the Netherlands. Completed in 2007, it cost 80 million to build, and occupies a whopping 28,000 square metres. Curved furniture and shelving gives a sense of flow throughout the spaces. All the zones are defined, yet flow into and around each other. I was drawn into each one. Curved desks, seats, seating pods; all comfortable and conducive to work and relaxation. I could have stayed there for hours, exploring and appreciating it floor by floor.
So how about its functionality? In addition to unique collections, the library also consists of a theatre, a radio station, conference rooms, exhibition space, a music department, study pods, 600 Internet-connected computers, 50 multimedia workplaces, 110 catalogue reference terminals and 11 print and copy stations. Basically whatever you need, you will find.
OPENBARE BIBLIOTHEEK AMSTERDAM / Oosterdokskade 143, 1011 Amsterdam / www.oba.nl
Images: ℅ Google images
Images: ℅ Google images
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