PAREDES PEDROSA

The new Library in Ceuta, located on the north coast of Africa, is conditioned by the steep topography of the plot and by the Marinid archaeological excavation of the XIV century that determines the interior spaces of the Library. The orthogonal geometry of this ancient settlement is turned from that of the actual urban grid. This fact establishes a triangular geometry for the structure over the archaeological site and the urban value of the Arab city is included in the geometry of the new building. The Library is conceived as a compact volume that preserves the archaeological area as the core of the public spaces, creating a sense of openness and transparency where groups of hanging triangular lamps with peaks in both geometries are set over the archaeological centre. A concrete plied basement runs along the steep streets and the façade is wrapped up in a light aluminium-perforated skin that reduces glare and solar gain, as a veil, and protects the inside from the harsh Strait winds.

source: Paredes Pedrosa