A "pyramid" made of books！A must-visit eco-friendly library in Rotterdam for all the literary-minded

▲Rotterdam Book Mountain Library (Image / MVRDV Fan Page)

By Rita

Located near the Port of Rotterdam, this library is definitely not the cold, steel-box we might imagine—it could even be called a book bazaar, because the books here are really stacked up like that！

The pyramid-like exterior itself is eye-catching. This public library has five floors connected by stairs that spiral upwards. In fact, it’s not really a pyramid but a barn-like structure. The designers aimed to retain the historical impression of the town’s agricultural past, even though the area has transformed into an education and business hub over the past 40 years.

▲Rotterdam Book Mountain Library (Image / MVRDV Fan Page, Photo by Jeroen Musch)

With its extensive use of glass, the building not only makes more efficient use of natural light but also allows visitors to easily see the intricately designed interior. Even more uniquely, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the library does not have air conditioning. In summer, ventilation design helps keep the interior cool, while in winter, underfloor heating and double glazing maintain the temperature. Eco-consciousness is reflected in every detail.

This Book Mountain Library was designed by the Dutch architectural firm MVRDV and opened to the public in 2012. Its innovative design has since earned it numerous architecture awards.

Book Mountain Library
Address: Market Square, Spijkenisse, Netherlands