Public library of the year embraces environment and people
Deichman Bjorvika, by architects Lundhagem and Oslo Atelier. Photos © Iwan Baan Photo © Iwan Baan
Photo © Iwan Baan
OSLO’S Deichman Bjørvika has been named as the world’s best new public library.
The IFLA/Systemic Public Library of the Year Award was made at this year’s IFLA World Congress, and recognises the impact Deichman Bjørvika has had on communities in Oslo. The award moves beyond design, by also looking at environmental, cultural and digital impact.
The six-storey, 13,500 square foot library, created by architects Atelier Oslo and Lundhagem, impressed judges by the way its design and function has become a central part of people’s lives. Jury chair Jakob Lærkes said: “The Public Library of the Year award is all about paying tribute to role models, and the winning library – Deichman Bjørvika – is a shining example. A beautiful
September 2021
and impressive building, which serves as a beacon for future library buildings. Deichman Bjørvika more than lives up to the criteria for the award, and the interna- tional jury was particularly impressed by how the building combines environmental awareness with architectural flair. The library is a new paradise for books and reading, while incorporating advanced technological solutions. Deichman Bjørvika shows how libraries can function as institutions that bring people together in towns, cities and local communities.” Fellow jury member Santi Romero Garuz, pointed to the libraries adaptability, saying: “Over and above its spectacular design housing modern technological solutions, the choice of materials, energy solutions and the multi-functional rooms testify to the fact that the library has been built with an eye for sustainability –
and the future.”
The library embraces automation, while delivering services that meet local needs. As well as more than 450,000 resources within the library, there is also a café, cinema and auditorium. Library director Knut Skansen said: “Deichman Bjørvika is the crowning achievement of a compre- hensive and sustained effort to develop Oslo’s libraries, and today I would espe- cially like to thank all of my colleagues who have worked so hard towards this goal for such a long time, as well as all the politicians in Oslo who have understood the library’s importance and made it a priority.
“This award recognises everything that they and the City of Oslo have done for people in the Norwegian capital. Both as Library Director and a citizen of Oslo, this makes me extremely proud.”
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 11
Photo © Iwan Baan
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
