![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-01.jpg)
The Public Library is part of a public-private initiative taken to rebuild Constitución after the 8.8 degrees earthquake and Tsunami that devastated the town during the year 2010.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-02.jpg)
With regard to the formalization of the project; it is the result of three main decisions.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-03.jpg)
Firstly: In order to overlook the millenary trees of the civic square that is in front of the site; to rise the library 1,6 meters over street level.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-04.jpg)
Secondly: With the purpose to filter and balance the light; to cover the 3 main areas of the programme (children, young and adult readers) with 3 reticulated wood naves.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-05.jpg)
Thirdly: In consideration to communicate the public character of the edifice; to organize the façade with 3 monumental glass cases that not only invites to see new books arrivals but also -with its benches and canopies – offer shelter to the passerby.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-06.jpg)
Regarding the construction of the building; it is made almost entirely in wood and only the firewalls are done with exposed poured concrete. The structure is prefabricated and is made out laminated pine.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-07.jpg)
In order to rhythm the interior space and make the loads and the construction process understandable, the wood beams an pillars are kept as visible as possible.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-08.jpg)
Coating the wood with water white varnish enhances the required luminosity of the spaces and also creates homogeneity between the structure and the on site built furniture.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-09.jpg)
The other colours that can be seen in fabrics were chosen to mimic the colours of the trees and leaves of the square.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-10.jpg)
In this sense the library can be seen as a resonance box. Source by Sebastian Irarrázaval.
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-11.jpg)
- Location: Constitución, Chile
- Architect: Sebastian Irarrázaval
- Collaborators: Macarena Burdiles, Carlos Pesquera, Alicia Arguelles, Sebastián Mancera
- Technical Inspection: Joel Barrera
- Structural Engineer: Cargaz
- Constructor: Proessa
- Promoters: Fundación La Fuente, Banco Itau And Arauco
- Owner: Municipality Of Constitución
- Area: 350 m2
- Year: 2015
- Photographs: Felipe Díaz Contardo, Courtesy of Sebastian Irarrázaval
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-12.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-13.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-14.jpg)
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![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-19.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-20.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-21.jpg)
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![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-23.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-24.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-25.jpg)
![Public Library of Constitución](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Public-Library-of-Constitucion-by-Sebastian-Irarrazaval-26.jpg)