University Library Utrecht

For three centuries, Utrecht University resided in the historic center of the picturesque city. Under the guidance of architect Arjan Sikkema, the university moved five kilometers east in the early 1960s, where it created the largest university campus in the Netherlands. Fifteen years ago, OMA won a competition that sensitively densified the area despite its bohemian reputation. The most recent realization of the campus is the dark mass of the library designed by Maastricht architect Wiel Aretse. The building, which offers no clear entrance and has an unclear function from the outside, is split into two basic shapes and functions. One block houses 90 kilometers of books, while the other provides space for 450 cars. Yet, from the outside, both look the same. The collection of 4,200,000 volumes can continue to grow, as the author planned for a rooftop extension.
In the Netherlands, unlike Switzerland, orthodox minimalists have never fared well, and therefore the ornament on the façade of Aret's library is less surprising than in a similar institution in Eberswalde by the duo of Herzog & de Meuron. The outer shell is made up of sheets of etched glass and shaped concrete panels (using rubber strips inserted into molds) featuring a reeds motif by photographer Kim Zwarts. The result is not like the Eberswalde university library, where the differences between glass and concrete are blurred; however, in this case, despite the completely different construction materials coming closer in color and texture, the outcome gives the impression that the architect wanted the building to appear dirty and outdated even before its completion. Aretse: “We thought that in its semi-rural location, the library should feel natural.”
Another opportunity for comparison arises with the Seattle Central Library. Koolhaas's program was meant to attract a new type of reader. His building is primarily for people who should not be bored under any circumstances. In the case of the university library, the task is different - to avoid distraction. Almost all vertical elements are black. The only colorful (distracting) accents are the red information center and the lending counters. The print on the glass reduces light permeability and evokes feelings of mystery to the point of oppression. Aretse: “I wanted to create a place for contemplation, a place of calm and brightness in our confusing modern world. Together with the lighter-colored floor and work desks, the black color creates the perfect atmosphere for studying.”
However, Aaron Betsky believes that in a library without a clear orientation system, full of staircases and dark corners, love for learning may thrive. Time will tell.

Data: 4.2 million volumes, 300 computers, 1000 study spots, 1 bar, 1 auditorium, 6 lecture rooms, 450 parking spaces.