Córdoba Public Library, Public library in Córdoba, Spain
Córdoba Public Library is a building with an aluminum lattice screen exterior and deep skylights that channel natural light through all interior spaces. Inside, it provides reading areas, study zones, and multipurpose rooms for events and education programs, organized within a trapezoidal floor plan.
The library was founded in 1842 and grew from book collections gathered from convents, monasteries, and churches between 1835 and 1837. This origin shows how the institution emerged from religious sources before developing into the public space it is today.
The library displays archaeological remains visible beneath glass floors, revealing layers of history directly beneath where visitors walk and study. This integration creates a direct connection between the building's daily use and the city's past.
The best way to experience the building is to move slowly through the different zones while observing how light filters through the skylights. When visiting, note that the layout naturally guides movement, making it easy to discover each section as you walk.
A stone wall from earlier building structures was incorporated into the children's area, creating different levels throughout the space. This wall presents an interesting contrast between ancient masonry and the building's contemporary architecture.
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