A NEW CHAPTER

Gerard Evenden, head of studio at Foster + Partners, on how one of the world’s earliest scholarly institutions informed the design process of House of Wisdom.

Our initial design brief was very simple, to create a library for the future, one that would allow people to gather, learn and exchange ideas.

The project was initially referred to as the Digital Library but through our research, we found many parallels with the original House of Wisdom, which was set up in Baghdad, as a place for scholars to exchange ideas. We had some great conversations with the client, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi and her team, about how the aims of the building had many parallels with one of the world’s earliest scholarly institutions, which informed the design process.

Long considered primarily as repositories for books and periodicals, the role of libraries in the life of contemporary communities has changed dramatically. The team visited libraries around the world to understand best practices.

We found that the most successful spaces allowed for people to use the building through an extended period – a 24/7 community space that belonged to them. Alongside the libraries, there were spaces for talks and lectures, larger social areas, cafes for food and drink, child-friendly spaces – all functions that encourage people to come together.

The House of Wisdom is meant for everyone. The building is designed to be open and inviting. It has a very simple square plan based around a densely planted and shaded open central courtyard that can be enjoyed at almost all times of the year and allows natural light and ventilation deep into the heart of the building.