GSZ Library, Martin Luther University

In October 2015, the Martin-Luther-University of Halle-Wittenberg opened its newly built branch library on Steintor Campus. With close proximity to other central institutions of the university and a very large range of books, the library has considerably improved the research and learning conditions. The interior of this new centre for humanities and social sciences is divided into two ‘book storages’ which are separated by a central atrium. A large stairway dominates this atrium and gives access to the 800,000 works available. The building features 4,600 sqm of usable space, 150 reading places, ten individual workstations, a compact magazine area and three PC pools, each consisting of 30 workplaces.

Lindner Objektdesign GmbH, a subsidiary of the Lindner Group, was contracted with the production and installation of wooden wall claddings in the central atrium. The warm and natural appearance of these wooden elements transcends onto the overall atmosphere of the atrium, while they also create a visual border to the interior of the book storages. In order to bridge the two book storages, intermediate levels have been added to the central stairway. The interplay of wooden wall claddings and gaps seemingly gives the library´s interior a protective frame and visual points of reference. With the implementation of a glazed roof construction, natural light is used to illuminate the atrium and the aisles of the library. However, ensuring that no direct solar radiation would arrive on the books was essential for their long-time preservation. Since natural illumination is not always available, modern LED technology was installed in the library as an addition. As it is custom for libraries, acoustics play a very important role in the composition of the room atmosphere. To improve this factor, the wall claddings have been perforated. Additionally, sound-absorbing glass partitions have been installed to shield the employees´ workplaces from the noise generated by visitors. The entirety of wooden wall claddings and glass partitions has been produced and/or installed by Lindner Objektdesign GmbH.

Competence Lindner Group
Interior Fit-out and Furnishings

Client
Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg

Architect
Eßmann | Gärtner Nieper Architekten GbR, Darmstadt