National Library of Israel

A sculptural stair that intersects multiple levels of a large, cultural building in Jerusalem by Herzog & de Meuron, studied in 2016

National Library of Israel carves spaces under and within, where heavy walls sandwich a circular opening and are wrapped by a perforated, mineral envelope. A large void is centered at the heart of the library to illuminate the main book stacks, which is surrounded by archival and study spaces, an auditorium and cafe. This work reflects the final phase of design development including an AV publication, construction drawings and mock ups of the wall assembly. Stair and aperture conditions at critical intersections were explored through physical and digital studies at multiple scales and levels of detail.

Image Credit: Fernando Alonso, Abigail Chang

Contributors: Herzog & de Meuron National Library of Israel team