Montserrat Abelló Library

Architect
Ricard Mercader Aurora Fernandez Arquitectes
Country
🇪🇸 Spain
The project aspired, as a public library, to be a center of access to information, to guarantee the democratization of culture and knowledge, to be a center of social integration, promotion of reading, longlife-learning, self-learning and, at the same time, a leisure space. But it aspired to do so by giving prominence to users over the presence of the collection. Open spaces were needed for activities, and also flexible furniture, that would allow changes in the use of the space. As for the collection, the exhibition space was increased, in specific and attractive funiture, to the detriment of high density shelves accessible to users. A space for young audiences was differentiated, self-service, spaces for group work were promoted, as well as audiovisual equipment to allow videoconferencing and streaming screenings.
Detailed description

The construction of the library in the district of Les Corts has led to the transformation of the old Benet i Campabadal factory, built in 1924 and a pioneer in the silk production sector, which closed its doors in 1984. The historical features of the three buildings in the complex have been preserved, of which the main nave is the backbone of the space that creates an open space and provides visual continuity. Its structure is a sample of industrial rationalist architecture. The main architectural challenge has been to open the nave to the outside through large windows that provide natural light inside the library, located on both the sides and the ceiling, facing north to take advantage of the sun.
The buildings have been adapted to the new distribution and to the current regulations. The façades, one of which is listed in the heritage protection plan, and the roofs have also been repaired.
The library consists of a ground floor, a mezzanine and two floors with a passable flat roof, where the different spaces are distributed, such as the music and image area, the newspaper and magazine area, multipurpose rooms, etc. The project has allowed the definitive location of the manufacturing athenaeum or FAB-LAB (Digital Manufacturing Laboratory), taking advantage of the synergies between the two uses. The main lobby is shared and the FAB-LAB, with a built-up area of 185 m², occupies the ground floor of building B.

Year of completion
2018
Library category
Public Library
Building type
Extension and renovation
Special Rooms

Multipurpose room with capacity for 90 people. Two rooms for groupwork, for 20 and 30 people respectively. Computer rooom for trainig, with 15 stations. Youth room.

Special features, internal

Self check-in / out system, and automatic book sorter. Audiovisual equipment for videoconferences and streaming. Dynamic information system. Lighting system incorporated into the open shelving. Sustainability: BREEAM Certification (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology).

Additional Comments

Library shares the building with the Makerspace “Ateneu de Fabricació Les Corts”.

Project Data
Overall Cost
€ 9'086'490
Competition
Yes
Competition Year
2010
Total Floor Area
3'796 m²
Floor Area Open To Public
2'859 m²
Shelving Capacity Open Stacks
1'000 linear meters
Shelving Capacity Closed Stacks
625 linear meters
Number Of Staff
14 FTE
Total Seating Capacity
250
Group Study Rooms
4
Individual Study Rooms
5

Location

Montserrat Abelló Library

Carrer dels Comtes de Bell-Lloc, 192-200, 08014 Barcelona, Spain,