Building for Books: Traditions and Visions

In cooperation with the Swiss National Library Book collections and spaces both private and public have long been a fascinating part of our culture. This book takes a thoughtful look at the highlights of the past, and the possibilities of the future. Building for Books is an exceptional publication, which reflects on libraries throughout the ages whilst also looking to the future. The first part consists of 8 essays, richly illustrated in black and white. Here the high points in library history are evoked and analysed: from the library in Alexandria to ladies’ book collections in the Middle Ages, from the treasures of the Baroque era and the Boullees Bibliotheque Royale to Aby Warburg’s library. Also considered are the great National libraries, and the modern library as a source of information. The second part contains visionary designs for how the library of 2020 might look, contributed by the young Swiss architects: Robert Briccola, Conradin Clavuot, Galletti & Matter, Christian Kerez, Miller & Maranta, Schar & Smolenicky, Smarch Stucheli & Mathys, Jens Studer. This book accompanies an exhibition to celebrate the opening of the renovated National Library in Berne in April 2001.