Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm Zentrum

Max Dudler’s new library at Humboldt University unites the previously scattered humanities collections in one of the largest open access libraries in Germany. The winning design, which was the result of a competition, is not characterised by its clarity and rationality, but rather stands out for its high quality of materials and a special urbanistic restraint. In favour of a newly created forecourt, the building is concentrated on only a part of the site and compensates for this loss of space through a higher level of the main building structure. The heart of the building is formed by an atrium illuminated by daylight, in which two cascade-like terrace levels face each other.