Cover. Shell. Content

Cover. Shell. Content

Bernd Aschauer • Hatje Cantz

This edition of Cover. Shell. Content

ISBN-10: 3775727639 · ISBN-13: 978‑3775727631 · 2011

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Completeness 48

Cover quality: good

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The first building for the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek (German National Library) in Leipzig was erected between 1914 and 1916. Stuttgart architect Gabriele Glöckler won the European architectural competition for what is now the fourth annex, with her concept Umschlag-Hülle-Inhalt (envelope-shell-content). Her design adds an independent element to the structure’s silhouette on the Deutscher Platz, while at the same time integrating the 1970s book tower into the whole ensemble. Around the content of the supporting structural skeleton is wrapped the shell of the exterior wall. The envelope —a silvery, glittering weatherproof skin—sculpts the form of the building, which recalls a tome of sorts. The façade, made of translucent, colorful glass elements, opens up the building toward the outside, yet at the same time, fulfills the conditions necessary for the conservation of books. A 14,000 square meter floor space provides room for stacks, the German Music Archives, and the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek’s Deutsches Buch- und Schriftmuseum (German Museum of Books and Documents).

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