Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library in New York

Architectural studio Mecanoo is known for its projects all over the world. Now the company has added a library in New York to its portfolio.

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

Since 1914, the Arnold Constable department store has been located in this building in the heart of Manhattan, and now the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library has opened here. The main distinguishing feature of the renovated building is an unusual copper roof, which you will definitely notice from afar.

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

The Dutch architectural studio Mecanoo and the company Beyer Blinder Belle worked on the project. According to their plan, the library should become the new cultural center of New York and an addition to the nearby Public Library. The facade of the building is made of granite with cornices over the second, fifth and sixth floors. The first level of the building is decorated with stained glass windows, which were restored according to archival drawings.

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

The heart of the library is a corridor with steel columns. The height of the columns is 26 m — they rest on the ceiling, painted by the artist Khayal Pozanti. The corridor leads to a hall with bookcases, as well as to reading rooms, where you can comfortably sit at a massive twenty-meter oak table.

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Another nice bonus of the library was the seventh floor — there is a conference center, an event hall for 268 people and an L-shaped terrace. As the authors note, this is the only free public rooftop terrace in Manhattan with a view of Midtown.

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Библиотека фонда Ставроса Ниархоса в Нью-Йорке

John Bartelstone

Photo: John Bartelstone

Original content from the site

Top