The library will be the new cultural epicenter of Skien
Henrik Ibsen is one of the great milestones of modern drama. His work Doll's House (1879) marked a before and after in his career, and the plot was not for less, since the poet created a protesting protagonist, a female figure who longed for break gender roles of the time.
For this and other literary feats, Ibsen lies in the collective memory and, above all, in that of the inhabitants of his hometown of Skien.
Another example of sustainable architecture
It is in this location where Kengo Kuma & Associates has drawn up a new plan -approved in 2020- for the integration of architecture and landscape: the Ibsen Library , conceived for make accessible to all the world the theater and literature of the iconic Norwegian author.
To do this, the Japanese architecture studio has had the collaboration of Mad Arkitekter and Buro Happold Engineering.
Natural light will flood the space
As he comments Yuki Ikeguchi, partner of Kengo Kuma & Associates, the purpose of the proposal is create an attractive and open cultural center stay in harmony with the existing Ibsen House and with the natural environment of the park where the spectacular contemporary library.
The desire of the Kengo Kuma team is to convert the chosen location into the new cultural epicenter of the city, reason why the venue has multiple accesses from all directions and at all levels, promoting an active flow of visitors.
A clear example of this is the gentle downward slope that connects the park and the city. This sloping piece of land will be the perfect place to hold events and performances as a natural amphitheater.
The building embraces the curvilinear design of the park, giving rise to interior and exterior spaces fully integrated into the landscape.
Secondly, the roof descends towards the central nucleus of the complex, approaching the visitors, and, at the same time, it rises, dominating the urban skyline.
The curvilinear layout adapts to the design of the park
The dizzying heights, the terrifying depths and infinite horizons, so characteristic of Ibsen's literature, have been evoked in the design of this architectural jewel, baptized as 'Trekrone'.
This word comes from the union of "tree" and "crown", recurring figures symbolizing the path of life, ascent and descent.
Ibsen is present at the objects, engravings and paintings that decorate the walls of the plant, which follows a non-linear route that invites you to experience each of the spaces, divided by low shelves instead of by fixed walls.
While the ground floor has a hypnotic glass -which can be opened in the warmer seasons-, cafeteria and children's area, the underground area offers a completely different experience: it is a quiet, calm and intimate space, dedicated mostly to adults.
Both levels are connected by multiple and wide steps, whose rungs can be used like seats , because this library aims to be the scene of daily activities, moving away from the traditional concept that defines them.
What about the materials? Well, how could it be otherwise? has opted for sustainability.
Wood is the predominant material
While floors and walls are finished in wood , the facade is made of glass, providing spaciousness to the interior and a sensation of levitation to the roof, which will be made up of wooden sheets that evoke the loose pages of a book.