Extension of the German National Library in Leipzig

Together with heinlewischer Architekten, MVD was awarded 3rd prize in the competition for the 5th extension to the German National Library in Leipzig. MVD Dresden supported the team of architects as structural engineers in the competition. The German National Library (DNB) has been collecting all text, image and sound media published in Germany and foreign media works about Germany or in the German language since 1913. The existing stacks at the Leipzig location are largely used to capacity. The fifth extension is therefore to be built at Deutscher Platz.

20 architectural firms have qualified for the Europe-wide competition. The competition entries were judged and awarded prizes on September 10, 2024.

The decisive criteria for the decision were the requirements to plan the archive as a highly functional, climate-stable, space- and energy-efficient building. The architectural concept is characterized by longevity, efficiency, synergy and low-tech. The design envisages a maximally simple structure consisting of three connected structures that perform the functions of 1. protecting and archiving, 2. supporting and supplying and 3. connecting. The protective box functions as an archive and presents itself with closed and clear edges.

The Supporting Box forms the technical supply and access with staircases, elevators and supply shafts. The connecting component is created between the archive and the brace.

The supporting structure is planned as a column-free honeycomb structure. This principle enables maximum utilization of the converted space and the greatest possible flexibility of use thanks to slim flat ceilings and 270 square meters of column-free space.