The New Kurdistan National Library, Erbil, Iraq

The town of Erbil lies northeast of Baghdad, close to Sulimanya, Kerkuk and Dohuk. Repressed for at least 2 decades the Kurdish region is finally enjoying peace and increasing prosperity. As part of a new wave of civil projects our group was hired by the government in 2004/2005 to produce designs and working drawings, and provide construction administration for the New Kurdistan National Library, and two other major projects. The central atrium is the heart of the library, a vibrant social area for encounters. The maon stairwell and its criss-crossing bridges shade the ground floor from the hot Iraqi sun, creating an oasis. Large multifunction halls and an auditorium are nestled on the fourth floor, which leads to a garden-like roof terrace. After six months of on-site planning {up to furniture fit-out} it was kindly suggested we leave the country, for our safety. The region fluctuates between peace and turmoil to this day...