Light and air mark the modernist Qatar National Library, where every book is visible. Designed by Rem Koolhaas, the diamond shaped exterior of the library belies its spacious interior, which prioritizes light and visibility. The bookshelves themselves are an integral part of the building, rising out of the floor and blending into the architecture; Innovative technologies are seamlessly integrated throughout the building, enhancing accessibility and efficiency.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- In the Ceremonial Court parking lot where there is a shuttle bus to the library every 15 minutes.
- QNL is accessible by car. Parking is available
- QNL is accessible by the Doha Metro. Qatar National Library Station is on the Green line.
ADDRESS
Education City Qatar, District of Freedom, Al Luqta St
PHONE
WEBSITE
World-renowned architect Rem Koolhaas designed the 45,000-square-meter building to resemble two pieces of paper that are pulled apart and folded diagonally at the corners to create a shell-like structure, enclosing the open-plan interior.
The main interior space is designed to allow a precise amount of daylight to enter and maintain a connection to the world outside. Daylight filters through the glass façade, providing natural light that is conducive to reading and socializing. The bookshelves themselves are an integral part of the building itself, rising out of the floor and highlighting the value of books in Qatari culture.
QNL provides an environment that fosters learning, play and innovation. Tools and equipment are provided at the library’s Innovation Stations, catering to a dizzying array of activities and interests – videography, photography, design, sound editing and 3D printing. A music studio and STEM focused products further promote learning through doing. With an avowed focus on preserving important cultural and historical items, QNL contains a dedicated Conservation and Preservation Laboratory which restores items in the Heritage Library, whilst climate-controlled display cases help preserve them. The Digitization Laboratory digitizes items from QNL and other collections, making them available to scholars worldwide.
Qatar National Library, “Qatar National Library,” Visitqatar.com, 2022, https://visitqatar.com/intl-en/highlights/iconic-places/qatar-national-library.
