The new building of the National Library of Belarus, which has become one of the symbols of the country, was inaugurated on June 16, 2006. It is regularly mentioned in the lists of the most interesting, fantastic, unique works of world architecture. Every visitor of the library, whether a tourist, a reader or a participant of any event, will be impressed with this building.
On the eve of the 13th anniversary of the opening of the new building of the National Library, we decided to find out aspirations of the architects Mikhail Vinogradov and Viktor Kramarenko, and how fully they could realize the project.
Professor of the International Academy of Architecture, Honored Architect of Belarus, twice laureate of the State Prize of the Republic of Belarus Mikhail Vinogradov
Mikhail, the first building of the National Library of Belarus hosted the first visitors 13 years ago. The project marked 30 years in 2019. How was everything happening three decades ago?
In 1989, an all-Union competition for the design of a new building for the National Library of BSSR was announced. How did the idea occur? The thought was prompted by nature. Then I was being on vacation with my wife in the south, there are a lot of beautiful trees with slender trunks and lush crowns. The shape of the tree is amazing. Juice goes up the trunk from the roots and nourishes the branches, leaves and fruits. This inverted principle was applied in the designing of the library building. There are books on top, due to special conveying system (“Telelift”) they are delivering to reading rooms. In the trunk there are passenger elevator and ventilation systems.
I invited Viktor Kramarenko to work on a competitive project together, and showed the first sketches. Then it was necessary to choose a form. The inner space would be closed in square, but the rhombocubooctahedron close to the sphere was optimal. Thanks to the shape of the building, solid glazing and stained-glass windows, everything is illuminated from above. There is the atrium, where some interesting architectural forms, artworks are exhibited. In daylight, there is no need for additional use of artificial lighting.
In 1989 about 10 projects from the entire Union were presented at the All-Union competition of projects for the new building of the National Library of the BSSR, and the ours won. Viktor Kramarenko and me were awarded the first prize and entrusted with the further development of the project.
Which materials and technologies were needed to implement the project?
Many different materials were used for the construction of the building. At that time a lot of them were already being produced in our Republic of Belarus. Imported materials, such as glass, were also used. We wanted to use a metallic color of glass. After visiting the factories, it became clear that because of the large number of orders, glass could be made and delivered only in a year. But we had to build. What would happen if the building stood uncovered for a year in our Belarusian climate? We had to buy ordinary glass, cause it could be immediately mounted.
How was the interior of the library designed?
It was necessary that the reading rooms were not on the north side, to use less artificial light. So the main reading rooms face east and south, only 2 rooms are oriented west. Administration, conference rooms, one of which is designed for 600 seats, are on west side. The main entrance to the National Library is located on the side of Nezavisimosti Avenue. On the eastern side of the library there is the parking for employees and readers of the library. During the construction, it became necessary to place two conference halls, the Round and the Oval, in the building of the National Library, to hold events of high-ranking officials. The library was almost built. Thus, we had to redesign some other rooms. The Round and Oval halls have been constructed.
Construction activity began only in 2002. Why was the project remaining just in plans for so long (13 years)?
In 1989−1990 we had an order for stage "P" ("project"), not working drawings. The general designer was Minskproject. Viktor Kramarenko and me (at that time we already had our own private design studios) were working with the architectural part and landscaping. When financing stopped after 1991, the design had to be temporarily suspended (until 2001). All this time, the leadership of the National Library and the Ministry of Culture petitioned for funding. In 2001 the President of the Republic of Belarus acquainted with the project of the building of the National Library of Belarus and then a decree on the continuation of the design and the start of construction activities was issued. Stage "P" was completed quickly, because we have worked on this every day for 12−14 hours. The project was successfully approved by all the necessary authorities.
Then it was the time to make detailed drawings for the construction. It was a very busy period for us. Thus, we designed so much, we thought over details, interiors, etc during the construction activities. Every Friday after the end of the working day, Prime Minister Sergei Sidorsky held meetings.
Of course it is not only the finance issue. Maybe it’s about an absence of certain materials and technologies?
You're right. In our country, there were no telelifts and retractable bookshelves. This had to be purchased. By the way, the system of telelifts was also highly appreciated by the Head of State. The President chose a book from the electronic catalog, which was delivered in 10 minutes.
In one of interviews with you I have read that the National Library of Belarus is an object that you would not like to correct at all. Is it so?
Yes, I would not like to remake anything here, neither in terms of technology, nor providing convenience for visitors and library workers, nor the exterior of the structure. Maybe only to change some materials, for example, change the color of the glass. But that’s for our descendants...
One of opinions is that the library building can stand for 500 years. Will it need some modernization?
Of course. Because even the glass cannot stand for so long. Over time everything will have to be changed outside. But the frame, the foundations are laid for long term. Maybe it will be necessary to apply new technologies over time, but the basis will remain the same. Who knows what will happen in 500 years?
For the distant future a fire safety system was also designed. There is a fire station in the library, where firemen are constantly on duty. In each room there are fire detectors and automatic fire extinguishing systems. This was made very carefully, because the National Library has a foundation of the thought of mankind.
In 1989 there were no buildings or projects like yours, weren’t there? How did your creative duo dare to build such a glass building?
Initially, there was no idea to make a book depository covered with glass. Then we added glass. Now every floor of the book depository is visible. And it’s much more pleasant for librarians to work in the light than underground, because the book depositories of many world libraries are located in the basement.
How would you describe the design of the building of the National Library of Belarus as its author? What does it mean to you?
I am just pleased that we have managed to design such a building. No matter how much we have traveled around the world, we have never seen a library of such a high level, including in terms of technologies. All libraries that we saw in Russia, Germany, France, England and other European countries are inferior to ours. No wonder it is included in the 100 best architectural works of the world. We have managed to come up with this unique construction and to turn thoughts into reality.
Building Parameters
Shape – rhombocuboctahedron, 60 m high;
Total height - 73.7 m (23 floors);
Weight - 115000 tons;
Built-up area – 19,5 thousand m²;
Total area – 113,7 thousand m²;
Book depository – 54,9 thousand m²;
Construction volume – 420,6 thousand m³;
Storage facility volume – 200,6 thousand m³.
Why do you think the library is one of the symbols of Belarus, of the nation?
Belarusians are competent. This is evidenced by the number of people with higher education in our country, inventions, our technologies. Just look at the giant dump trucks of 430 tons! And the library is a symbol of the literacy of Belarusians and the value of their intelligence. Belarusians are an intellectual nation.
Academician of the International Academy of Architecture, Honored Architect, twice winner of the State Prize of the Republic of Belarus Viktor Kramarenko
Viktor, this year the project of the building of the National Library of Belarus marks 30 years. How did the idea of its creation come to you? According to various sources you had seen the library building in your dreams?
It is a super-complicated topic. Because this is one of the largest libraries in the world. Libraries have great attention all over the world as iconic structures, which are a kind of symbol of knowledge. At that moment, when Mikhail and I began to participate in the competition and started designing this object, all our thoughts and all our forces were aimed at accumulating ideas. Regarding the "prophetic" mystical dreams, this is the interpretation of journalists. Yes, while working on a library project, I dreamed of crystalline forms that would undoubtedly affect the results of the work. Working in a team of authors with Mikhail Vinogradov, we were actively supplementing each other's ideas, which were often coinciding, that was effective. As a result of the merging of all thoughts and information concerning the library, the image of its new building crystallized in the literal and metaphorical sense.
It was possible to start the implementation of the project only in 13 years after its creation. Why?
Time has shown that we were ahead in terms of architectural thought, because this building can still be considered unique and modern. Despite the fact that the project was born 30 years ago, when there were no similar structures, it still surprises everyone with its unusual shape. And confirmation of this can be found in various sources. For example, the building of the National Library of Belarus in 2013 took the 11th place in the ranking of fantastic architectural works according to the American edition of Flavorwire.
Are there any difficulties associated with a non-standard design solution?
At first the Ministry of Architecture and Construction found this building too complicated to implement. But we were lucky, because the country's leadership was interested in this project, and they gave it a "green road". The builders had no choice but to mobilize all the forces and resources, and proceed with the construction. The most advanced world technologies of that time were involved in the process. For example, the library has a system of telelifts for vertical and horizontal delivery of books, which allowed us to realize our architectural and planning idea of a supercompact volumetric and spatial composition of a building. The book storage has the shape close to the sphere (the most compact form in nature) and contains about 14,5 million units. With the help of telelifts, literature is delivered to readers on the ground floors. Thanks to this system, we could design and build the library, where the speed of literature delivery is about 15 minutes. While in Paris it takes one more hour.
What else is there in the library to create comfort for readers?
Reading rooms are located no higher than the 3rd floor, close to the earth and nature. Many of them are oriented to internal gardens, which creates an atmosphere convenient for readers. Visitors of the library do not have the syndrome of fatigue from being in a confined space. The reader can walk around spacious recreation and relax zones, admire art works − paintings, sculptures and architecture. All this liberates and allows focusing on information reading.
What is the symbolism of the building of the National Library?
Creating this purely functional volume, we were aware that in this building a gigantic amount of information is stored. We would not be architects, but only technologists if we had not thought about the architectural image itself. Having taken the form of the rhombocubooctahedron, through the language of architecture we turned it into a diamond, as a symbol of the value of human knowledge stored in the library. This architectural metaphor was realized very well. At the same time it wasn’t the task of formally creating the world's largest giant symbolic diamond. We created a modern, vivid, technologically advanced architectural form. I believe that together with Mikhail Vinogradov we succeeded.
Have there been any obstacles in the way of implementing the building project?
As architects, we treat it as our child, we know its strengths and weaknesses. When an architect imagines something very unusual, which requires a non-standard approach, builders’ efforts, there may be obstacles. Not everyone understood our plan. Some officials wanted to rationalize the form, and it came to the point of absurdity. For example, it was proposed to make a flat roof at the upper part of the building. But that could remind a wineglass. It would be simpler for builders and maintenance services to build it. Maybe they could save some money. But a wineglass cannot be a symbol of the state. Architecture is an art. Like any art, it has its own characteristics.
We know that architecture attracts a lot of tourists. Architecture can give a powerful impetus to the development of the city. A building is an architectural work if it is complete not only functionally, but also has a bright image.
The building of the National Library of Belarus is now considered advanced. However, it is designed for 500 years...
That's right. The building is very solid. By the way, the structure and principles of the construction, as well as materials - reinforced concrete and steel, make the storage facility in the form of diamond stronger. It will definitely serve people for hundreds of years.
Will it be possible to accomplish technical modernization of the building?
Yes, definitely, I think. We are already witnessing the process when new technologies are introduced into old buildings, for example, air conditioning system, glass fencing systems that keep heat, smart home systems that regulate the processes inside the building. They will continue to develop it in the library.
Perhaps in the near future a window cleaning system with the help of a special crane installed on the roof of the storage facility will be introduced, originally that was our common idea with Mikhail Vinogradov. Or, a diamond will be mirrored by sticking a mirror film as an art object onto the back of an existing glass.
If you had been an ordinary person, not an architect or co-author of the project, what would you feel about it?
I would think that's fine. During travels I am always interested in unusual buildings that talk about the possibilities of a city, country and its people. In all countries architects are trying to create something unusual, amazing that gives a powerful impetus to the development of both the art of architecture, but also technology. When an unusual building is constructed this is already a beaten path for those specialists who will go along it. And it’s good if they get off and also invent something. This is the normal course of human development. When this unusual building was built, it is already a beaten path for those specialists who will go along it. If they get off track. This is the normal course of human development.
One of the symbols of Belarus is the National Library. A library, not a residential building or a business center. How does this characterize Belarusians as a nation?
It’s a good question, because this is a real characteristic of Belarusians as a nation. There are no diamonds or other expensive minerals in our country. But we have powerful intellectual potential. Perhaps that is why this phenomenon also appeared − the National Library as a result of state policy aimed at development of knowledge. It provides an additional opportunity for the development of the country as a whole.
Numerous epithets can characterize the new building of the National Library of Belarus: fantastic, majestic, incredible... Its shape is amazing. Therefore, all of the above can be summarized by the words of the French lexicographer Pierre Boiste: "There is only one really inexhaustible treasure, this is a large library".
RATINGS
In 2011, the building of the National Library of Belarus was included in the book 100 Most Amazing Achievements of Modern Architecture, published by the Russian publishing house EKSMO.
In 2011, the building of the National Library of Belarus was included by the German publishing house Braun in the book Masterpieces Libraryarchitecture + design.
In 2012, in contrast to the previous achievement, the building took the 14th place in the list of the most unattractive buildings in the world, compiled by analysts of the British publication The Daily Telegraph.
In 2013, the National Library of Belarus took the 11th place in the ranking of fantastic architectural works according to the American edition of Flavorwire.
In 2014, the building of the National Library of Belarus was included in the book of the Russian edition EKSMO 100 architectural masterpieces of the world.
Also, the Belarusian fount of knowledge is placed on the 24th place in the list of 50 most unusual buildings in the world according to VillageofJoy.com.
In 2014, according to the materials of Urbantimes.co, the National Library of Belarus was included in the list of 28 most beautiful libraries in the world, having taken the 1st place.
Special for Internet Portal by Natalja Ivchenko
Translated from Russian to English by the Internet Portal Maintenance Department
