Alvar Aalto – a really big first for me. Seeing his work has been on my list since I can remember but I always thought it would have to be in Finland. Not, um… Wolfsburg. We are gifted many things in life and learning about this building was truly a gift. Barely conserved but still operating, this library (and I love libraries) was almost an afterthought because the person who told me about went to it so often as a child it seemed like an every day thing that we end up taking for granted. And that is why this visit was special to me- because it was so ingrained as a part of this person’s life that it meant more to make the effort to be in the space and to experience it too.
I do believe there is a craft expressed in buildings that were drawn by hand. Computer drawn architecture just feels different. I can feel the pencil on the paper and the dedication to the lines of ideas that must have been painstakingly measured. The entrance has a musical scale like nature to it with it’s wooden slats helping to give movement to the navigational spaces.
Heading upstairs first, there are so many small details to absorb- the patina of the roof materials, the perfectly cut vertical windows for circulation, the integration of the doors into the exterior wall surface. The light fixtures – both exterior and interior – are thoroughly considered and reflect the mid century modernism that has remained so popular even today.
As usual, when doors are open, I tend to poke my head into them. Off to the side, I spotted a door opening to a space that looked like an architecture studio space- messy, with some models lying around. I happened upon someone in the office and not to disturb, I left them to their work. Wandering as one must- we were engaged by surprise by this person and welcomed to enter into this auditorium space above. It felt like a holy space where learning is the sermon of the day. The richness in the molded woodwork of the ceiling felt both natural and technological in perfect concert together.
Natural light abounds in the main reading room spaces. The structural work to allow these skylights is worth noting- they are as highly designed, or even more so, than the rest of of the space. The horizontal windows space above the structural elements of the ceiling and the continuity created enables more ambient light to flow through. The ceiling as a first class citizen of this design is a clear theme of this work.
Lattice and fence like textures extend through and through. The tile deep blue navy color provides a negative space continuing on with the textured theme.
The lobby has a wealth of details untouched- everything from a control panel preserved to beautifully molded brass hinged handles to integrated lockers under the counter for storage. Each detail carefully considered and made for the human factor.
I felt so alive to be in the presence of this work- the attention to every inch of this place is a wonder. Well worn indeed, in need of a cleaning, but certainly not unloved. I hope the people of Wolfsburg can cherish this place as it represents a true longstanding influence into today’s contemporary age of interior and architectural design.
Address: Porschestraße 51, 38440 Wolfsburg, Germany
Website: ArchDaily write-up
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