ABOUT this project

Funded by MCA Namibia for the National Library and Archive Services, thee centres contain conventional and children’s libraries, IT centres, study rooms, regional school library outreach, community halls and seminar rooms, CLDC offices, exhibition foyers and SME line-shops. These functions were designed as modules linked by the foyer in different site configurations according to approach and solar orientation. Solar panels on north-facing pitched roofs on single- north and double-storey south wings influenced the composition, as did passive design sustainability principles. An unfenced front approach creates a public square flanked by pergola-shaded line-shops and the community hall. A linear exhibition foyer inside leads to the community facilities, ablutions and library security entrance. The heart of each centre, a generous double-volume main library hall with a curved first floor under the steep solar roof, is lit by a clerestory and 360° windows filtered by over-scaled overhangs and latte screens.

Project Type:

Education

Project Start:

2011

Project Complete:

2012