The new technical library in Prague will be energy-efficient

Prague - The new technical library, which is being constructed at Fleming Square in Prague 6, will be energy-efficient. Energy consumption should be dozens of percent lower compared to similar buildings, aided by its rounded shape and green roof, said Radek Polák, spokesman for Sekyra Group, to ČTK. The construction will cost two billion crowns, and the first readers will visit it during the summer holidays next year.
    The building will have six above-ground floors designated for the public areas of the library and its administrative facilities, and three underground floors for parking and book storage.
    The floor plan of the library will resemble a rounded square. The closer the shape of the building is to a circle, the less its surface cools down or heats up, making it more energy-efficient. "The simple design of the exterior is also reflected inside the building in the low number of solid walls and supporting columns, which will facilitate and reduce the cost of any future modifications to the interior spaces," Polák stated.
    The ventilation and cooling of the building will be automatic, meaning, according to Polák, that such a number of cooling units will not be necessary. "Heating and cooling fully utilize the activation system of the concrete core, which consists of the entire mass of the ceilings serving for the accumulation of heat or cold," explained the spokesman.
    Greenery will grow on the roof of the building, functioning as an accumulator and regulator of rainwater runoff. Additional plants and trees will be in the park. The facade with mobile shading will also bring savings.
    The designers also thought about energy efficiency when planning the internal arrangement. "All floors of the library are connected by a large atrium that brings plenty of light to the center of the building," Polák stated. The large space will also facilitate natural ventilation. Areas where students will read books will primarily utilize natural light. "Books on shelves that are harmed by excess light will be located in the interior spaces," the spokesman added.
    The building, which will accommodate 1.7 million volumes, will house the library collections of technical universities, and some books will come from Klementinum, from where the State Technical Library will relocate. The library also plans for 24/7 operation, but for now, opening hours are considered to be from 08:00 to 22:00, with slightly shorter hours on Saturdays. "The actual operating hours will be determined by the needs of the visitors and the financial possibilities of the operator," Polák added.
    The most sought-after titles will be freely accessible on-site, comprising half a million volumes. The library will also store highly valued unique works of technical literature. The new building will offer nearly 1,300 reading spaces in more than 50 classrooms and study rooms. There will be 400 personal computers with internet connections available, and the entire building will have functional wireless access.
    The architectural design of the library is by the studio Projektil Architekti. The selection process for the construction and financing of the building was won by the Sekyra Group. The company secures not only the necessary investments but also construction, engineering services, documentation, and technical supervision. The financing of the construction is ensured through a long-term loan maturing by 2014, which will be provided by a consortium of Dexia Kommunalkredit Czech Republic and Česká spořitelna.