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Ceuta Public Library

Ceuta Public Library

Ceuta

2007-2014

The new Library in Ceuta, located on the north coast of Africa, is conditioned by the steep topography of the plot and by the Marinid archaeological excavation of the XIV century that determines the interior spaces of the Library. The orthogonal geometry of this ancient settlement is turned from that of the actual urban grid. This fact establishes a triangular geometry for the structure over the archaeological site and the urban value of the Arab city is included in the geometry of the new building. The Library is conceived as a compact volume that preserves the archaeological area as the core of the public spaces, creating a sense of openness and transparency where groups of hanging triangular lamps with peaks in both geometries are set over the archaeological centre. A concrete plied basement runs along the steep streets and the façade is wrapped up in a light aluminium-perforated skin that reduces glare and solar gain, as a veil, and protects the inside from the harsh Strait winds.

Built | 1st prize in national competition | 6.159 sqm
Calle Manuel Olivencia / Calle Duarte
Ceuta
Spain
Awards:
Finalist in Aga Khan Award for Architecture 2016
Honourable Mention in Piranesi Prix de Rome 2014
Luis M. Mansilla COAM Award 2014
Selected in Mies van der Rohe Award 2015
European Award for Architectural Heritage intervention AADIPA 2015
Selected in FAD Awards 2015
Nominated in DETAIL Preis
Finalist in CEMEX Award 2013
Finalist in ENOR Award 2013
S+ Architecture Award, sustainability and efficiency, building category 2016
Finalist Simon Architecture Prize – Living Places 2016
Honorable Mention International Architecture Biennial Award 2017
Architects: Ángela García de Paredes. Ignacio G. Pedrosa
Client: Ministry of Culture
Management: City of Ceuta
Collaborators: Lucía Guadalajara. Álvaro Rábano. Clemens Eichner. Álvaro Oliver. Guiomar Martín. Eva Urquijo. Ángel Camacho. Ignacio Cordero. Blanca Leal. Roberto Lebrero
Consultants: JG Ingenieros S.A. Mechanical Engineers. GOGAITE S.L. Structural Engineers
Technical control: Juan Antonio Zoido. Luís Calvo
Contractor: Acciona Infraestructuras
Photographs: Fernando Alda. Manuel García de Paredes. Roland Halbe

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