Aga Khan Award for Architecture
Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Location: Alexandria, Egypt (North Africa)Architect: Snohetta Hamza Consortium
Client: Egyptian Ministry of Education
Completed: 2002
Site size: 45'000 m²
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Bibliotheca Alexandrina Project BriefThe Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a revival of the legendary ancient library built in classical Greek times. The rebuilding of the library has returned Alexandria to its former status as a centre for learning and exchange and provided the city with a landmark building. The spirit of international cooperation in which the library was conceived, funded, designed and implemented has been maintained in its management to create an institution that is truly global in its outlook. At the same time, the building is technically outstanding.
Aerial view looking south toward University of Alexandria© Willis
View of roof from plaza, looking east© Zugmann
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View of southern granite wal seen from Pt. Said Street
© Zugmann
View from above, building looking north stone wall, view taken from neighboring University© Willis
Reference section, looking west© Zugmann
View of library from across the bay© Christian RICHTERS
Library from town south of project© Christian RICHTERS
Granite wall pierced by pedestrian bridge© Christian RICHTERS
Port Said street looking west© Christian RICHTERS
Entrance© Christian RICHTERS
Stairs down to reading room© Christian RICHTERS
View across a terrace in main reading room© Christian RICHTERS
Reading room, roof lights© Christian RICHTERS
Entrance lobby© Christian RICHTERS
Port Said street looking east© Christian RICHTERS
Circular granite wall from across Port Said Street© Christian RICHTERS
Night view of kibrary from across corniche© Christian RICHTERS
© Hana ALAMUDDIN
© Hana ALAMUDDIN
© Mohamed NAFEA
Entrance Floor© Courtesy of architects
© Courtesy of architects
© Courtesy of architects
2004 Award Recipients
Review and Selection Procedures
Press: Press Releases, Speeches, Podcasts
AKAA 2004 Resources
Other 2004 Cycle Recipients
Old City of Jerusalem Revitalisation Programme
Restoration of Al-Abbas Mosque
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