Library and Health Sciences Information Centre, Kaunas University of Medicine

Gražina Janulyte-BernotienėLithuania

The main goals were to create a new ''hybrid'' type advanced University Library - Health Information Center , where traditional, advanced and virtual services were provided.

Authority and authority type

Kaunas University of Medicine

Title of library in local language

Biblioteka ir sveikatos mokslų informacijos centras, Kauno medicinos universitetas

Year of completion

2007

Address

Eiveniu 6, Lt-50161 Kaunas, Lithuania

Size of library: 
4076m²

Category of library

Other

More info on the building

http://www.kmu.lt/index.php?cid=2580

Awards and recommended reading

„The most impresive design“ award by journal „Namas ir Aš“ (House and Me) (2007);
A Year Interior Diploma in exhibition „Architektūra: Kaunas‘07“ (2007);
„Architect of the Year“ title (2007);
Award for the best project in exhibition „Lietuvos architektūra 2005-2007 žvilgsnis į save“ [Lithuanian architecture 2005-2007 Introspection];

Architectural idea or principle

The idea was to transform a traditional library into a “learning tool” where learning and research process could be performed at the library – starting from search for information up to the typography of research work. Minimalism architecture expression of the building exterior is enriched with double glass surfaces and a bay-window on the southern facade. The approaches are decorated with the symbolic sculpture „Consillium“ (Board of Doctors) by stasys Žirgulis. The inside is notably spacious and stylish. Trimmed concrete material leads the idea of exposing materials and offers a succesful combination with stone tiles, tarket flooring, glass and steel. All architectural solutions seem to be though over very carefully like using a purposely motivated interface. A hi-tech impression of the building lies with a tectonically harmonized duet of form and function. (Archiforma: Lithuanian architecture review, 2007, No2, P.21.)

Interior design

Gražina Janulyte-Bernotienė

Furniture supplier

Vildeta, Avokada

Overall Cost

€ 3.570.000

Detailed description

Under one roof , a range of functions is available: Library holdings and periodicals, a self-checking system and security control, training, word processing, copying/printing and binding services, auditoriums for workshops and staff meetings, elevators for books transportation and for patrons, problem-based study rooms, staff room etc.

Front of building: 
Entrance: 
Special view outside: 
Interior: 
Special view inside: 
Special departments: 
Reading room: 
Stairs: 
Circulation desk: