INTERIOR OF P.O.HVIEZDOSLAV REGIONAL LIBRARY
The building of P. O. Hviezdoslav Regional Library consists of three protected townhouses. These three-story, basement-level houses have saddle roofs and vary in height. The library's main spaces are located throughout levels of the central townhouse.
The palace-like scale of the main halls, which span the entire width of the townhouse—from street to courtyard, was one of the key realizations in the design process. Rather than filling this impressive volume with shelves, we sought a solution that preserves the spatial experience while meeting shelving capacity needs.
The need to avoid creating barriers to natural light—which fills the halls through tall windows—also implies a longitudinal arrangement of shelves on all floors. Combined with slender white shelving, this approach ensures an airy, light-filled environment. We propose a gradient densification of the space with shelving, from bottom to top.
On the ground floor, we installed two pairs of double-height shelves suspended from steel beams along the perimeter walls.This structural strategy allows use of slender steel rods, turning heavy shelving into a light, curtain-like framework.
On the second floor, three long rows of shelving are used, while the top floor is filled with smaller shelf clusters. The changing relationship between shelves and space helps visitors orient themselves within the library.
The building's construction evolution is visible through its historic layers—from massive masonry walls, to a later cast iron gallery, to the proposed delicate steel elements.
Defined movement routes guided the arrangement of furniture and emphasized architectural openings. The ground floor supports diverse user activities, fostering community life. As one moves up,multifunctionality gradually fades and the spaces become more book-dense and focused.
