ABREHOT LIBRARY

ABREHOT LIBRARY Ethiopia has centuries-old literacy culture but when it comes to library buildings it does not have a defining architectural heritage. However, the old age tradition of reading in the open sky under tree shades and beside tranquil water bodies are what is commonly known. Therefore, the design concept tries to capture this outdoor library concept and attempted to translate it into contemporary architecture steeped in tradition. The site is primarily arranged in three functional zones. The first zone is “the knowledge garden” which is the front face of the library space that welcomes visitors to the outdoor reading space defined by a row of olive trees arranged rectilinearly to create impression of a large room with centrally elevated platform under natural canopy for public speaking, poetry reading, and verities of cultural shows. The second zone is the area designated as “Springs of knowledge”. Here water bodies with fountains are placed to create a tranquil environment for visitors to sit and relax while they are browsing for information on their laptops, tablets, or mobiles. The third zone is “the knowledge center” which is the library building itself. The 20m high colonnaded space creates a gentle yet pronounced entry space that serves as a transition from an outdoor knowledge garden to an indoor knowledge center. Its imagery is inspired by Ethiopian dress design “Tibeb” the bold orange “Marmorino” plaster is like the “Jano Tibeb” design while the detailed calligraphy on the columns replicates the intricate and elaborated patterns on “Tilet” (the embroidery edge of Ethiopian traditional cloth) “Tibeb libes” meaning a cloth made in wisdom. The same Amharic word “Tibeb” meaning wisdom is engraved on these monumental columns in 18 languages, that have their own alphabet. Ethiopia stands tall among these few languages in the world that have their own unique alphabet. Behind these colonnades transparent glazed wall encloses the main library visually connecting it to the outdoor knowledge garden. On the Southwest, the façade is encrusted with perforated ductal concrete panels designed with calligraphic “geez” Ethiopian alphabet and numbers. Placed detached from the glazed wall behind to create shading from the harsh southwest sun. The library building designed as a glass box on three sides except on the West. The massive inclined parapet walls roofing of the cafeteria eco the main library building creating an interesting dialog on the roof line. The entrance vestibule welcomes customers into the indoor library. The large warm orange “Marmorino” plastered wall punctured with varying size windows above it defines a grand access point. Entering the library building one will encounter an open multi- Layered alternating floor level with a central atrium terminating with glazed vaulted sky light roofing. The central open atrium is graced with the “Etsepatos” tree surrounded by shrubs and flowering plants gives a fresh breath to the interior space symbolic of the old age tradition of Ethiopians culture of reading under tree shades. Yoseph B Samuel CEO, Abba Architects PLC.