Rogier van der Heide

This project was done at Arup

When the Amsterdam Public Library opened its doors to the public, it officially became the largest library in Europe. Designed by architect Jo Coenen & Co, the 28 000m² building includes seven collection floors and provides a storage area for books, a theatre, a readers’ cafe and a restaurant overlooking the city.

Space and light
After the concept by architect Jo Coenen, I developed a lighting design to create a building where space and light are central to the users’ experience. To help achieve this, the Library has various terraces and squares situated in a high atrium, reached by inviting, luminous escalators that guide visitors upstairs.

Holistic design
With the library, Arup in Amsterdam delivered its first building of which the local office worked on all engineering and design discplines shoulder to shoulder with architect Jo Coenen. By close collaboration between the various specialisms, the team created a building that breathes a holistic approach to climate, space, and light.

The library is also featured on arup.com

Photos with this article: Michael van Oosten
Architect: Jo Coenen & Co
Lighting design: Rogier van der Heide and Jo Coenen
Product design escalators, columns and handrails: Rogier van der Heide (concept and principles)
Arup project team: Rogier van der Heide, Ben Kreukniet