Bibliotheca Alexandrina

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The most beautiful photos of this splendid architecture

In 1989, an anonymous international competition was held to select the winning design. Snøhetta was awarded first prize.

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is built on a magnificent site next to the ancient port of Alexandria in the historic center of the city. The 11-story library can hold up to 4 million volumes of books and can be expanded to 8 million through the use of compact storage. In addition to the library facilities, it also contains other cultural and educational functions including a planetarium, several museums, a computer science school, and conservation facilities. Characterized by its circular and sloping shape, the building extends 160 meters in diameter and reaches up to 32 meters in height, while also dipping approximately 12 meters into the ground. An open plaza and a reflecting pool surround the building, and a walkway connects the city to the nearby University of Alexandria.

Conceived as a revival of the city’s ancient library founded by Alexander the Great some 2300 years ago and lost centuries later, the new Library of Alexandria is a contemporary design that will significantly contribute to the learning of students, researchers and the public. The design of the new library is both timeless and bold. Its vast circular form next to Alexandria’s circular harbor is a reminder of the cyclical nature of knowledge, fluid over time. The shimmering, sloping roof recalls the ancient Alexandrian lighthouse and provides the city with a new symbol for learning and culture.
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