Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart - Inspiring Book Culture in a Cube

When I stepped off the elevator on the 8th floor of the Stadtbibliothek (City Library), I unconsciously said ¨wow¨. I had only seen the library in pictures and was captured by the design. Seeing it for the first time in person was truly a wow moment. It appeared I wasn't the only one who felt like this. I noticed that other people stood rooted to the spot just outside the elevator doors and were staring at the expanse of sleek white space and books in colorful binding neatly stacked on shelves against the walls.

Launched in 2011, the Stuttgart City Library was designed by Eun Young Yi, a Korean architect from Yi Architects of Cologne and Seoul. He describes the Stadtbibliothek as a "homogeneous, calm, monolithic building that contains a great many of the secret values of our civilization. These values are neutralized and polished to the point where they possess a universal value that applies to all ages so that only our pure spirit are projected onto the material".

The books are easy to access and comfortable upholstered benches are strategically placed in front of the bookshelves so library users can linger over favorite books and other printed materials.

This particular seating arrangement is private, comfortable and spacious.

The source of light for the foyer can be seen in the center of the fifth floor.

The central roof light (oculus) illuminates the square-shaped foyer.

The foyer is four-storeys high and is the Heart of the cube-shaped library. The design style is minimalist with cut out windows as are the four entrances.

In the evening, iridescent blue lighting radiate from the glass brick façade. The Stadtbibliothek stands on Mailänder Platz, the cultural anchor of the popular Milaneo shopping and dining center.

The library has 500,000 books and media materials. Check the boards posted on each floor to locate the material you need. There is an Information and Service Desk in the lobby to assist you. There is also a café on the 8th floor and a dedicated space for children on the 2nd floor.

City Library of Stuttgart
Mailänder Platz 1
The library is a few minutes walk from the main train station and easily accessible by public transportation. Ubahn 5 connects the train station with Mailänder Platz. The stop is Stadtbibliothek.
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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