Architecture Firm: Dok Architekten Architect: Liesbeth van der Pol Location: centrum-Delft-Vesteplein 100-2611 WG Delft, The Netherlands Design Team: P. Cannon, M. Hardonk, R. Bos, A. Koch, A. Derksen Client: Gemeente Delft Photographer: Arjen Schmitz
Mediatheek is a media library in Delft, The Netherlands designed by the Dutch architecture firm, Dok Architecten. Completed in 2006, the library is part of the Hoogoven Building, a former blast-furnace building. Today, it is a cultural center and public space that, in addition to bringing a media center to Delft, also provides shops, restaurants and cafes, apartments and bicycle storage. It is located in Cultuurplein (Culture Square) and fits within the context of surrounding buildings. A two-metre high glass facade marks the entrance to the building, an addition to the existing frontage. This exposes the library to the square and gives it a prominence that catches visitors’ eyes and provides access into the building where activities inside are visible to the courtyard.
The design also includes a glass roof that runs the entire width of the premises and links the structural elements which are primarily glass and ceramics. The color scheme, dark bricks for the ground floor and orange bricks for the upper stories, uses an earthy palette that is a reminder of history’s industrial building materials. The hard industrial exterior is in contrast to the soft palette and materials of the interior. Transparent displays, ample wall space for signage, bookshelves and brightly lit halls create an inviting atmosphere for the public.
Building Costs (excl. VAT): 8.000.0000 euro Start of design: March 2003 Start of construction: May 2005 Project Year: October 2006
