University Library in Katowice

The realization of the new library of the Silesian University took nearly ten years for the Koszalin-based studio HS99. The abbreviation CINiBA hides the Polish name for the Scientific Information Center and Academic Library in Katowice. The new massive building clad in red stone is intended to serve as a landmark for further development of the university campus in the northeastern part of Katowice. The building is situated at the intersection of the north-south and east-west axes of the university campus. In front of the library is the central university square, which will serve as a gathering place not only for significant events once the surrounding buildings are completed. The resulting height of the library is derived from the existing university buildings. The volume of the library gradually rises above the level of the surrounding buildings towards the future square. The tower, housing the book archive, is designed to emphasize the importance of the square and compositionally complement the taller buildings located at the end of the east-west axis.
The facade is made up of cladding from red sandstone. The arrangement of the individual slabs creates an enlarged textile ornament. The stone imported from India, while reacting in color to the surrounding facades of the exposed brickwork, has a completely different scale. The design of the facade in an abstract form reflects the book shelves inside the building. The massive volume, which is also perforated by a series of small openings, maintains a mysterious expression of the solidity of knowledge. The division of the facade does not originate from the height of the individual floors, which allowed for the preservation of the integrity of the volume. Upon closer inspection, individual stone slabs with narrow window slits in the vertical joints can be distinguished. Thanks to these narrow windows, the stone monolith can illuminate the square at night, while during the day it prevents excessive sunlight in the interiors and ensures pleasantly diffused light in the reading rooms. The introverted composition of the library helps to direct attention towards the books and to create a quiet study atmosphere. A partial detachment from the surrounding world helps to forget the pulsating city around and to concentrate fully on study.