VIIPURI

LIBRARY

MOHAK SHARMA | SHIVALIKA SEHGAL | SONALIKA TYAGI | SAGAR MALIK

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE | SEMESTER V | SECTION A

INTRODUCTION
The Viipuri Library was a result of a competition to build the Library
won in 1927
Internationally acclaimed design by Finnish Architect Alver Aalto.
Example of 1920s Functionalist Architecture Style.
Famous for its wave shaped ceiling in auditorium and its skylights.
The site of the library was changed from an urban settlement
along a main road to being within Torkkeli Park allowing Aalto to
introduce natural light in all sides.

CONCEPT
Aalto himself defines his work as the result of his
inspiration in the mountain landscapes and cliffs
bathed in sunlight at different times of day.
The library architectural core consists of reading and lending areas at
different levels and plateaus while the centre and control area from
the high point above the different level.

SPACES
The building is composed of two rectangular volumes whose
intersection creates a common area of circulation.
The main block was designed for the act of reading.
Aalto gave special attention to the insulation and lighting of the
spaces through manipulation of light and use of thicker exterior
walls.
Other smaller block located north contains administrative
services.
Library functions include- Lecture Hall, Childrens Library,
Periodicals room, Reading room, Stacks and administrative
offices.

STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL

The structure is made of pillars and reinforced concrete slabs
built in situ. There are also metal pillar structure seen in the
conference room.
Building construction is in Stone Cladding and Stucco.
The use of brick is reserved for interior partitions and walls, then
coated.
In a conference room the architect decided the acoustics of the
design space with ripples on the ceiling made with wood slats
Karelian pine which help spread the sound better.
The walls were a textile lining, the floor was parquet and
furniture in the conference room designed especially for the
occasion.
The building was completely white outside and inside the various
elements retained their natural colour.

BUILDING PLAN
ANALYSIS

First Floor Plan

BUILDING SECTION ANALYSIS

Stock room, Administrative areas, Book
stacks and Vertical circulation

Continual flow of open public spaces

Circulation desk

Solid and Void

representation

Entrance smoothly leads to lecture hall, reading

and book stacks.
Analysing the play of levels on the previous page
one might think that the circulation through the
library is quiet confusing. But rather the circulation
designed by Aalto is very fluid in nature.
The green sphere representing the circulation desk
can oversee the reading room to the east as well as
the book stacks to the west.

Viipuri Library is particularly

interesting section. From the ground
level, one ascends a switchback set
of stairs to a sky lighted split level
space housing the stacks, reading
area and control desk.
The undulating wood ceiling in Viipuri
auditorium is famous for its acoustics.

LIGHTING
DAYLIGHT
The light streams in through round, conical
skylights, about 6 ft. in diameter.
Instead of streaming directly, the sunlight gets
reflected from the conical form of the skylight.
This allows the user to have shadow free,
diffused light, ideal for the reader.
Placement of artificial
lights

ARTIFICIAL
LIGHT
Artificial lighting followed the same principal of
daylighting.
The light is made to fall on the book diagonally
and in all directions to avoid shadows.
Placement of fixtures were between the
skylight openings.

ACOUSTICS
Aaltos treatment of the undulating wooden ceiling in the
Librarys lecture hall is of great significance.
Of course, the architect himself can prove, with acoustic
diagrams, that the undulating form of the ceiling enables
sound to reach ears more perfectly.

VENTILATION SYSTEM
In order to completely isolate the library from traffic
noises, the exterior walls were made 30 inches thick,
and contains ventilation duct and mechanical pipes.
Ventilation was achieved with fresh air which received a
minimum of filtration and pre-heating.
For the heating system, ceiling radiant heating was
selected.
Walls
Mechanical room

CHILDREN vs ADULT

This is a simple diagram

comparing the childrens area
to the adults area.
The children are given their
own entrance opposite to the
main entrance.

Childrens
library
Main library

BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY,

NEW DELHI
ARCHITECT-CHARLES CORREA

PROJECT YEAR-1987 to 1992

MATERIAL-WALL:Agra red sandston
SCULPTURES:Black rockMahabalipuram,
ENTRANCE WALL MURAL:White
makhrana marble, black kuddapah
stone.

TheBritish Councilis a British organisation specialising in international

educational and cultural opportunities.
With a moto of to be inspired and to be successful through extensive
collection of books, opportunities to access workshop, events and activities.
Located in Connaught Place in an iconic building designed by Charles
Correa, the Delhi library is visited by people from across all walks of life
that enjoy reading and cultural activities/events.
.

LOCATION:
British Council
Division
British High
Commission,
17 Kasturba Gandhi
Marg,
New Delhi - 110
001
india

FACILITIES
Library

and Information Services

Online availablenbooks, magazines, CDs and DVD.

Workshops
interactive and innovative workshops on a wide range ofthemes and
subjects
English Language Centre:English language courses to adults, young
learners and professionals to improve their overall communication
skills.
Designed courses for educators, teachers, trainers andfor thosewho
want to want to enter theteaching profession
Exams:IELTS,AptisandCambridge English. exam preparation
coursesthat help improve your education and employment prospects
in India and abroad.
Study :Guidecanhelp youchoose and apply for the right course and
scholarship.

AIM
Work towards creating opportunities for young people to develop new
skills, become better qualified,

FEATURES AND
FUNCTIONS

FUNCTIONS
Art gallery
Library
Headquater office of delhi
Auditorium
FEATURES
THE MAIN AXIS GATE which extends till the rare garden wall
with three noidal points.
LIGHTING:LARGE WINDOWS with blinds to provide partial
heat and light during harsh climates.
LIGHT SHELVES of white ceramic tile.
FLOORING:CARPETED FLOORING for sound absorption in
browsing areas,reading areas and stack areas.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING:FALSE CEILING ETC. provided on the
ceiling to provide ample light.
Manipulating transition spaces,
All these layers in India which helps to coexist as a shadow
of a great tree.
Architecture as a sculpture.

MURAL OF SHIVA

TRELLIS WITH CREEPERS

CANTEEN

FIRE EXIT EXTERIOR

WIDE WELCOMING ENTRY

SECTION OF THE BUILDING

partially sinking
into the ground to take advantage of the thermal storage capacity of

PLAN OF BRITISH COUNCIL LIBRARY

VIEWS OF THE LIBRAR

 Brilliantly inventive in his deployment of certain timeless themes

in Indian culture and philosophy journey, passage and void.
He uses them as a means to creating ambitious new spaces and
structures.
His deep understanding of the implications of climate,
demographics, transport and community life has a universal
quality and has helped structure the thematic arrangement of
the exhibition.

1.

User profile

2.

Condition of access

3.

Faade

4.

Functionality

5.

Services

6.

Volumes

7.

Furniture

8.

Various sections

9.

Added value

USER PROFILE
Library provide accurate and up-to-date information on
American governmental and non-governmental institutions,
policies, economy, global issues, society, culture, literature,
history and contemporary life from print and electronic
resources.
It serves a large group of people including children, adults,
seniors and physical handicapped.
The scholars and youth serves as a major group of visitors

Visitors

scholar
s
Members

Tourists

ACCESS
It is located on
the outer
Connaught circle
on KG marg .
It has a high
security entry.
And a vaulted
entry ramp with
the take away
post card stack on
the landing space
The green space
on the either side
of the walkway.

LIBRARY FAADE
The interior has artificial lighting and is centrally air
conditioned.
The library do not provide much open spaces except the
green space in the entrance.
The ground floor has steel grill over the wood and glass
paneling on the exterior.
The upper stories have white plastered faade.

FUNCTIONALITY

Ground floor
circulation and
functional spaces
Offices
Displays

Cafeteria

Sitting

lobby

Entry
(take away
postcard stack)
Vaulted
walkway

Stairwell

First floor
circulation and
functional
spaces

Stack
s
Reading
space

Fire exit
Director
s office
Receptio
n

Computers
2 wide
led
screens

Lobby

Stair
Pamphlets well

Reading space

Stacks and
circulation

SERVICES
Lighting artificial, well lit but there were
windows with blinds and day light could be
used effectively.
Ventilation artificial , well lit
Ceiling gypsum board false ceiling
LED screens on the staircase landing and in
front of the reception
Emergency lights hung on the walls
Spaces for laptop charging were provided
Sittings 3 types- wooden chairs, cushion
sofa, moving chairs.
Computer and audio-visual space was
provided
Flooring was covered with carpet that gave
freedom to sit down
Stools were provided for picking the books
from higher level. Which had rollers for
efficient movement

VOLUMES OF BOOKS
Library has served more than 350 million people
The fully automated American offers a rapid information
retrieval and online and CD-ROM databases with access to
approximately 10,000 full text journals.
It also offers 16,000 books and 150 print periodicals on a
variety of subjects including law, trade, management and
American literature.
Its collection of DVDs includes movies, data, and software
which is available for circulation.
The library offers an online catalog database to assist
patrons in locating library materials.
The American library plans commemorative events on the
topics including American society, culture, and the latest
books describing American society.

FURNITURE DIMENSIONING

VARIOUS SECTIONS AND ADDED SERVICES

Reference services- library provide accurate and up-to-date
information on American governmental and non-governmental
institutions, policies, economy, global issues, society, culture,
literature, history and contemporary life from print and electronic
resources
eLibrary- eLibrary provides access to more than 30 proprietary
databases and a host of eBooks to the library members.
Internet Access:The library has sixteen internet workstations for its
patrons, which can be used for 30 minutes at a time for educational
and research purposes.
Wireless Internet Access:The American Library is Wi-Fi enabled
and offers free wireless internet access to its patrons.
Photocopying Services/Laser Prints
Cultural Centre
Projector rooms
Auditorium blocks

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
ON THE BASIS OF -

VIIPURI LIBRARY

AMERICAN LIBRARY

BRITISH COUNCIL
LIBRARY

1.PLANNING

It is well planned, different

functions are placed on
different levels for efficient
working

The planning is a bit

chaotic. There is no proper
clearances. Informal
planning is done.

The planning is formal.

Stacks are kept on one
side and reading space on
the other for proper
circulation.

2.SERVICES

Services were proper.

Special care is taken for
efficient day lighting and
acoustics.

Toilets were placed in the

basement with artificial
ventilation.
Windows were provided
for proper day lighting but
were covered with blinds.
The library was fully airconditioned.
Emergency lights were
hung on the walls
Artificial lighting was
proper
canteen was well
maintained and proper

The library was under

maintenance which
interrupted few services
like female toilets
The provision for day
lighting were inadequate
Artificial lighting was
proper
Fully air conditioned
There was electronic
book issuing machine
Facility of drinking water
was provided
Canteen was small
according to the library
size

3. FUNCTIONALITY

Proper zoning was done

Different floors had
different levels with
separate functions
The movement from one
functional space to another
was dramatic
Special children zone was
designed in the basement .

Different functions were

mingled up with each other
that was a bit confusing
There were no separate
sections for kids and
seniors
There were auditorium ,
projector rooms for
different programs

the library was situated

on the 1st floor in order to
avoid noise from busy
roads
The ground floor was
used as studios
There were open spaces
that could be used for
cultural events