Plato wrote about them in the dialogue Timaeus in which he associated each of the four classical elements (earth, air, water, and fire) with a regular solid. By contrast, a highly nonspherical solid, the hexahedron (cube) represents “earth”. The project aims to offer its visitors the very best possible facilities for studying and consulting information.
Inspiring spaces, places to relax and stimulating activities, emphasising the fact that we are embracing the present and that we are an indispensable link between future and past. In addition, the library also serves as a meeting place and is accessible for people with disabilities. The nearly 4,000 m2 building combines archetype architecture with technological innovation, conservation with information and communication.
The flexibility of its design ensures that the Hyde Park Library can be multiplied and freely arranged within the whole Hyde Park taking another platonic solid every time as a shell facade. Each solid will host a different area of knowledge and experience. Bike lanes will ensure the communication of these spaces. Two scenarios under the same principal set by Plato thousands of years ago. The Hyde Park Library will also respond effectively to the ever-changing needs and challenges of the digital age.
A nationwide digitization project will help make heritage materials available to the public and will offer access to the Library’ s various collections. Connectivity with other libraries both nationally and globally will allow the library’ s users to access new information and material. In addition, a Business Center with a large conference room will provide the public with an active hub for enterprise, knowledge, and innovation, offering computer workstations, laptops, and wireless connectivity.
The natural light available throughout the Hyde Park Library will help create an open hospitable environment for individual and collaborative learning. Events and seminars will be hosted for both children and adults, and classes will incorporate natural learning opportunities originating from collaborative programs at the Hyde Park as well. Source by V.a.idea.
- Location: Hyde Park London, UK
- Architect: Stratos Diakakis, Elias Megkos, Polina Saade, Fotis Souliotis
- Project Team: Stratos Diakakis, Elias Megkos, Polina Saade, Fotis Souliotis
- Status: Honorable Mention international competition
- Site Area: 7500 square metres
- Year: 2017
- Images: Courtesy of Elias Megkos