Municipal Library, Česká Lípa

competition 2023

Where was a gate, 
there will be a library.
A library is a gate.
The gate to knowledge, opened to the square.

The historical center of Česká Lípa is characterized by its tight blocks of houses. House no. 159 located on the subject property is the oldest house in the Liberec region and needs to be saved and restored. We suggest renovating its preserved parts and adding a floor and an attic. The new extension of the library completes the missing part of the city block and completes it at the point where the higher buildings of Tržní Street and the lower front of Sokolská Street meet in the area of the square. The proposed extension connects to the ledges of both of streets. All parts of the library are connected by a gable roof. The library opens onto the square through the glass facade of the main entrance and reading room, demonstrating its importance. By moving the entrance facade back and cerating the arcade with the cafe, Jeřábkovo náměstí becomes part of the life of the library. Thanks to raising the road to the level of sidewalks, a pedestrian zone will be created from the church to Náměstí TGM and Škroupovu náměstí, planted with trees and supplemented by a cooling mist fountain in the form of a three-dimensional bronze artifact on a circular stone tray. The library creates a peaceful multi-level courtyard with lots of greenery, which serves as a playground, a venue for open-air cultural events, or a hideaway for readers.