The Royal Library
National Library of Denmark and Copenhagen University Library
Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1
Copenhagen
DENMARK
tel +45 3347 4747 / kultur@kb.dk
Known as the “Black Diamond”, the The Royal library is housed in a huge building made of black marble and glass.It is actually part of Copenhagen university and the building contains many other cultural activities such as music, theatre and a museum. For me it is a draw card to have so many cultural activities including a library in one building. Construction began in 1995 and finished in 1999. With 7 floors and 20,733 square metres, this neo modern building struck me as very solid, like a monolith when I first saw a picture of it, and it reminded me slightly of the National Gallery of Victoria in its timeless solidness.In the picture below, it almost seems to be floating on the river!
National Library of Denmark and Copenhagen University Library
Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1
Copenhagen
DENMARK
tel +45 3347 4747 / kultur@kb.dk
Known as the “Black Diamond”, the The Royal library is housed in a huge building made of black marble and glass.It is actually part of Copenhagen university and the building contains many other cultural activities such as music, theatre and a museum. For me it is a draw card to have so many cultural activities including a library in one building. Construction began in 1995 and finished in 1999. With 7 floors and 20,733 square metres, this neo modern building struck me as very solid, like a monolith when I first saw a picture of it, and it reminded me slightly of the National Gallery of Victoria in its timeless solidness.In the picture below, it almost seems to be floating on the river!
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| Source: Wikicommons |
However, being located on the edge of a river in the heart of Copenhagen, there is spectacular reflection of light at different times of the day, as shown in this short video,
Designed by Schmidt, Hammer and Lasen architects, this is one of their most well known buildings, although they have designed a large number of buildings and have a huge number of projects on now. One aspect that their work has in common is a 'democratic approach to an architecture which can accommodate modern, open and multifunctional meeting-places'. Even though I did extensive searches on Swinburne databases I could find very little information specifically about the library. There are quite a few journal articles on the architects, but not relating to the building.
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| Source: Wikimedia Commons |
Designed by Per Kirkeby, this Fresko (without a name), is a huge 210 square meters and is situated at the entrance to the lending library. Taking more than a year to complete, the internationally renowned artist is known for his colourful compositions and had an exhibition at the Tate modern gallery in London in 2009.
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| Source: Wikimedia Commons |
References:
E-architect, 'Sort Diamand, Copenhagen, Denmark : Information', viewed 8 June 2012, <http://www.e-architect.co.uk/copenhagen/sort_diamant_copenhagen.htm>.
Labalme, C 1999, 'Travel Advisory; A Diamond for Denmark's Library', the new york times, 17 October 1999, Academic Onefile, viewed 9 June 2012.
ArcSpace, 'schmidt hammer lassen K/S The Black Diamond The Royal Library Extension Copenhagen, Denmark', viewed 8 June 2012, <http:/www.arcspace.com/architects/schmidt_hammer_lassen/royal_lib/index.html>.
E-architect, 'Sort Diamand, Copenhagen, Denmark : Information', viewed 8 June 2012, <http://www.e-architect.co.uk/copenhagen/sort_diamant_copenhagen.htm.>.
Black Diamond 2012, Wikipedia, viewed 8 June 2012,<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Diamond_(library))>.
Royal Danish Library 2012,Wikipedia, viewed 8 June 2012, <http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/kirkeby>.
Per Kireby 2012, Wikipedia viewed 8 June 2012, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Per_Kirkeby>.
Copenhagen Library...Sundappled 2011, viewed 8 June 2012,< http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09lXl1Zxw74>.
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