Libraries of the world | The library Alexandrina.
Sponsored by several countries and UNESCO, the New Library of Alexandria was inaugurated in 1996, and is supposed to occupy the same site where the original library and centre of universal knowledge stood 1400 years earlier, destroyed by fire.
The new building was designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, which emphasised several references to ancient Egypt in the main reading room, such as the columns of hardwood and concrete, using the round outer ceiling of the room as an allegory to the god Ra.
The complex is truly impressive and stands out in the urban landscape of Alexandria, as it is located on the Mediterranean ledge of the city, an obligatory passage through the city.
As a utility, we could say that it is underutilised, and at the time of my visit the shelves were half-empty of books and with few users inside. However, the Egyptians, who make as much profit as they can, give guided tours of the interior as if it were just another pyramid. Of course, for a fee.
The modern exterior is much visited by young Alexandrian couples who spend long hours courting in the outer rooms. A most romantic use.
Castellano
Auspiciada por varios países y la UNESCO en 1996 se inauguró la Nueva Biblioteca de Alejandría, y se supone que ocupa el mismo lugar en el que 1400 años antes estaba la original biblioteca y centro de conocimiento universal, consumida por las llamas.
El nuevo edificio fue diseñado por el estudio noruego de arquitectura Snøhetta, que hizo destacar en la sala principal de lectura varias referencia al antiguo Egipto como las columnas de madera noble y hormigón, usando el techo exterior redondo de la sala como una alegoría al dios Ra.
El complejo es realmente impresionante y destaca en paisaje urbano de Alejandría, ya que está ubicado en la cornisa mediterránea de la ciudad, lugar obligado de paso para atravesar la misma.
Como utilidad, podríamos decir que está infrautilizada, y en el tiempo que la visité los estantes estaban medio vacíos de libros y con pocos usuarios en su interior. Eso sí, los egipcios que sacan beneficio de todo lo que pueden, hacen visitas guiadas al interior como si fuera una pirámide más. Por supuesto pagando.
El moderno exterior es muy visitado por las parejas de jóvenes alejandrinos que pasan largas horas cortejando en las dependencias externas. Un uso de lo más romántico.
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Impressive structure, reminds buildings from the movies about future. Like that there is a huge glass surface, that let natural light to enter.
Hola @stef1
The building is truly impressive, and its futuristic structure is even more evident considering where it is located, in a city, Alexandria, which is characterised by a rather classical and decadent architecture.
Thank you very much for your comment, always gratifying.
Welcome :
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Many thanks @stef1, it's very gratifying the recognition from your behalf.