Library of Law, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Ring by ring, the elliptical, wooden skeleton spirals 30 meters up to the radiant glass dome. The sacred mood and the fine, architectural aesthetics catch me from the first moment. Anyone who enters the university law library for the first time would certainly not expect such a futuristic, organic construction. Even I, although I had planned my visit consciously, am positively surprised. The historic law building in Zurich, designed by Hermann Fietz, dates back to 1908. At first glance, it is a rather unspectacular administration building. In 2004, almost a hundred years later, after 15 years of construction and planning, the expansion in the former inner courtyard was finally completed and opened. A visual and structural masterpiece by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.

The building was increased by 2 floors and is now closed by the rib-shaped glass eye. If necessary, this can be darkened by the lamella folding construction, which looks like a huge spine. Around 500 reading and working places, 200,000 books and 700 different magazines are now distributed over the newly created six floors.

In 2003 the building received the Steel Design Award ECCS

More photo reports of Santiago Calatrava buildings:
Central Station – Liège Belgium
City of Arts and Science – Valencia Spain