Articles by "AMBS architects"
british-iraqi firm AMBS architects has just shared with us their design for the new baghdad library- the first public library to be constructed in the city since the 1970’s. informed by the sinuous shape of the drop-like peninsula and the arabic kufic word for ‘read’, the building will project out over a lake at the heart of the 1,200,000 square meter youth city masterplan. the revitalizing structure will boast the largest reading room in the world, in part due to a steel cable mesh building system that will allow a 80 meter across, single-span volume. the central architectural gesture is a double curved roof designed specifically to allow ample natural light to pervade the space through a network of skylights. the sweeping architectonic language remains a constant throughout the interiors, what with a cascading terrace and directional valley that creates pockets of smaller reading areas and event spaces. AMBS will use the opportunity of the monumental project to implement sustainable systems in the region, namely rooftop solar panels and a streamlined form optimized for passive cooling. while the library is but one of the 30 new buildings envisioned in the masterplan, the progression of so elegant a project shows a greater commitment to building an iraq that remains a cultural center, accessible place of knowledge and a beacon of centuries-long erudition.
the kufic word for ‘read’, one of the first words spoken by the prophet muhammed, informed the shape of the building.
the library will jut out over a nearby lake in the iraqi capital.
the double curved roof dictated the sequence of skylights that illuminate the interiors.
a steel mesh construction will allow the main reading space to be the largest in the world
Baghdad Library graphic files
project info:
baghdad library, youth city, iraq
dates: awarded november 2011, scheduled to tender late 2013
project size: 45,000 sqm
client: ministry of sports and youth
services provided: architecture
The new Youth City is a unique development dedicated to providing sport and educational amenities and opportunities for young people in Iraq. The design incorporates geometries that combine cultural character with the nature of the events and activities held within the complex. The scheme will integrate the MOYS Headquarters, a five star Hotel and Conference centre, a new public Library, Spa and Natural History Museum. In addition the complex will incorporate sports centres for squash, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, table tennis, bowling, archery, rowing and football. The sports, leisure and educational amenities will be linked by a distinctive landscape of lakes and canals, heritage and public routes. The master plan is an opportunity to contribute to the rebuilding of the country, which has been underway since 2003.
Projet: The New Youth Centre Of sport.
architects: AMBS architects.
Date: 2010-Ongoing.
Projet size: 1,500,000 sqm.
Client: Ministry of Youth and Sport.
location: Baghdad, Iraq.
Services Provided: Architecture and Master Planning.
