Page 51 - Construction Vision Sep-Oct 2017 issue

pijkenisse, close to the Port of Rotterdam in is its Book Mountain's pyramidal envelope. The glass
The Netherlands, used to have a problem. enclosure allows unobstructed views of library's core
S10% of its community was illiterate. How stack – the book mountain that gives Spijkinesse its
exactly did Spijknenisse tackle this issue? Surprisngly, name. The structure takes on the character of a
by investing in architecture. beacon – especially when internally illuminated once
night falls – visually establishing the building's main

function straight away.
Dutch mega-studio MVRDV's was hired design a
building specifically as an advert and invitation for
reading. Encouraging people to get lost in the world of Once they are enticed in by the shining lights of the
literature via building work might seem like a tall order Book Mountain's pyramid, visitors are met by a
– but MVRDV's proposal uses some nifty tricks to towering central stack of books and shelving that
invite and engage with visitors with their solution: gives this building its rather fitting name.
Book Mountain.

Visitors enter on the first floor, where they arrive in
Book Mountain is located in the middle of Spijkinesse front of the bookshelf tower. Cleverly, the reception
town centre, next to a historic village church, covering desk has been worked into a corner of the bookshelf's
a total area of 9,300 square metres. It's set within a base. From here, the journey winds up over 480
Library Complex, also master planned by MVRDV, metres of pathways, nooks, and reading areas,
surrounded by other public amenities. towards a café positioned underneath the pyramid's
apex. In total, book mountain covers almost 5 storeys.
Making it stand out from the surrounding vernacular

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER CONSTRUCTION VISION 49