Biblioteca de Jaume Fuster

Biblioteca de Jaume Fuster
2001-2005
Presented by Chris Legatt

Designed by Josep Llinas and Joan Vera in Barcelona, the Jaume Fuster Library was awarded the 2006 FAD Architecture Prize, the most prestigious contemporary design prize to receive in Spain. The project was honored for its delicate implantation in the urban context and the way it opens up new perspectives on the plaza on which it is situated. The expressive volume of the exterior and de abundance of its interiors is richly appreciated. It is one of the most modern and biggest public libraries of the city with an auditorium, amphitheatre, exposition room and special kids-spaces. According to the magazine Descobrir Catalunya the Jaume Fuster library, the Gas Natural headquarters, the Fórum building and the Torre Agbar by Jean Nouvel are some of the new symbols of Barcelona architecture. Even though this public project is highly praised, some critics do say that "the human scale of the irregularly faceted library seems out of step with its urban context". Llinas work forcuses on what has been described as the permanent renunciation of the finished and rounded architectural object. When describing the internal environment Llinas recalls how light and sounds were prioritized in order to balance transmission between areas with natural and artificial light.