For the un-initiated, this building by Erik Gunnar Asplund completed in 1928, is one of the Architects most accomplished projects. As a student I can remember pouring over drawings trying to work out what was going on.
A classically simple drum sits on a square base and all is what appears to be a rusty red stucco. Frescos of ancient classical antiquities run in bands at high level and the door arches are picked out with decorated stone surrounds.
When you enter through the glazed double height screen and arrive in the black entrance vestibule, light spills from the central reading room. A simple stair case brings you into the main rotunda and 3 tiers of books line the walls.
Above the books is a white painted dome in what looks like rough hewn rock with high level windows and a single pendent light in the centre. As you look closer the walls that are not book lined are covered in inlaid timber with more of the classical frescos.
In the base plinth are housed more reading rooms, one on each side and the space between the outer wall of the rotunda and where this intersects with the base are simply left as light wells.
This building is an absolute joy and is pretty much in it's original form right down to the signage fixtures and fittings.
The pictures won't do it justice but here are a couple to give you a taste of the building.
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