Latvian National Library

In Riga, a building of the Latvian National Library is rising according to the design of the classic of Lithuanian and world modern architecture Gunnar Birkerts from 1991. In the Czech observer, it evokes associations with Jan Kaplický's Prague octopus. These associations are reinforced not only by their shape similarity but also by the shared mission of both buildings. Could it be that a new trend in the construction of national libraries is emerging?

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Visualization of the competition design

The project of the Latvian National Library in Riga dates back to 1991, when this Baltic country gained independence from the Soviet Union along with Lithuania and Estonia after more than half a century. The competition was won by Lithuanian-born Gunnar Birkerts, who had been working in America since the late 1950s. For many years, the project could not be realized due to funding difficulties. Construction work on the library in Latvia's capital began nearly two decades later, at the end of 2010, even though the entire Baltic region was deeply affected by the economic crisis at that time. A small miracle is also the fact that the original appearance of the building has been preserved, even though the internal layout has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Birkerts was inspired by a Latvian fairy tale about three men overcoming a glass mountain on horseback to save a trapped princess while designing the asymmetrical "glass mountain." The well-known story and Birkerts's design resonate with Latvia's path to independence. The project perfectly reflects the situation of the early 1990s, where the country broke free from Soviet domination. Later, the constructivist legend of Latvian architecture from the 70s, Modris Ģelzis, was invited to the "glass mountain" project on the banks of the Daugava River. Extensive glazed façade areas are combined with roofs made of stainless steel. The thirteen-story library, dominated by a raised central atrium, can accommodate six million volumes. The original completion date had to be postponed by two years, and the total cost of the building, with a budget of 215 million euros, will be finalized after the ceremonial opening planned for the end of this year's holidays.
The library on the opposite bank of the historic center of Riga is set to lay the foundation for a new government center, which will also include a university campus and concert hall. With this act, Riga, with the help of UNESCO, is trying to keep new construction away from the historic core. Nearly ninety-year-old Birkerts is currently working on another prestigious project, the expansion of the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia in Riga.