Herzog & de Meuron

New Library Building . Jerusalem

Herzog & de Meuron . + National Library of Israel

The new Library building, combining functions of a central research center, a venue for indoor and outdoor cultural and educational activities, a hall for digital experience, a secure, climate controlled underground storehouse for its treasures and administrative headquarters, will be constructed on a site allocated by the Government of Israel in the National Precinct (Kiryat Ha’Leom) adjacent to the Knesset, Israel Museum, Science Museum, Hebrew University and the Supreme Court building. The built area consists of approximately 34,000 square meters – 6 floors totaling 15,000 square meters above ground and 4 floors totaling 19,000 square meters primarily for stacks and parking below ground. The design, incorporating principles of sustainable (“green”) design, will strive to minimize the building’s energy consumption. Design of the new building, with the executive architect Mann Shinar Architects and Planners will continue in 2015. Construction is to begin in 2016 and is planned for completion in 2019.