The Scientific Information Center and Academic Library, Research library in Katowice, Poland.
The Scientific Information Center and Academic Library is a research facility housing over 1.8 million books distributed across seven floors in a modern dual-cube building. It offers study spaces, computer workstations, and access to electronic databases organized across multiple service levels.
The building arose from an architectural competition held in 2003 and was constructed between 2009 and 2012. It marked Poland's first shared library project serving multiple universities simultaneously.
The library serves as a vital research hub for the University of Silesia and the University of Economics, shaping how both institutions and their students engage with knowledge. It hosts lectures and exhibitions that reflect the academic life of the city throughout the year.
The facility can accommodate up to 1000 visitors at once, making it accessible even during busy periods. The spread across multiple floors with clear signage helps visitors find what they need without difficulty.
The building features 4004 windows that distinctively shape its outer appearance. This specific number reflects a deliberate design choice that merges regional traditions with contemporary academic thinking.
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