Multifunctional library building

The multifunctional library is situated in the courtyard of the former prison at Pribinova Street in Košice.

The main idea of the building was to preserve the atmosphere of the previous prison and thus preserve its historical value. The courtyard is filled with a “block" with a vertical division of external windows. The windows enable a view of the courtyard facing beautifully fitted original windows and prison bars. The connection with the historical building is created by means of a “neck” – a tetrahedral cut pyramid. The roof with gravel backfill and a roof light is flat. The hall has two floors. The gallery and staircase “arm” as well as the whole construction are made of steel. The floor and the stairs are glazed in order to get more light into the interior due to the deep and dark courtyard of the library. The wooden tiling is “pricked” by glazed stairs. The main entrance door has been replaced by a glazed door thus enabling a view of the hall and the courtyard from the street.