© Nicola Braghieri . Pubblicata il 12 Febbraio 2007.

This proposal lies primarily behind the existing composition, keeping three of the annexes and locating another one on Spelbomskans torg. The concept itself is simple, shows respect for the existing composition and should therefore be considered. The project does not alter the existing urban composition to any great degree but instead manifests the broken facade towards Odengatan by adding another annexe. The eroded northern part of Stockholmsåsen is improved by new buildings. The tall building stands towards the north-east corner of the site, which can withstand such a volume.

© Nicola Braghieri . Pubblicata il 12 Febbraio 2007.

The project “samples” Asplund’s architecture in a witty and conceptual way and uses projects drawn by Gunnar Asplund himself, incorporated into the presentation. If implemented, these references will of course not be the project’s distinguishing characteristic but will need to be given an expression that is feasible to implement using current construction methods.

The project takes its cue from an architecture that has strong references to the classicist form of the original buildings. At the same time, this also points to the beginning of a new international development with fresh interest in complex brickwork as an architectonic form after a long period of dominant glass facades. The issues of quality, technical execution and feasibility are left open. The proposal’s many terraced and set-back building volumes also beg the question whether the suggested top lighting will be sufficient for a good indoor environment. The high-rise part is the project’s principal signal of the new extension’s existence. Its positioning and height should be more strongly related to the adjacent 1960s buildings in the next stage of the competition.

The proposal’s organisation can work well as a library solution even if the communications are not organised for a flow but instead are based on people moving back and forth in short dead-ends.