the National Library of Kosovo in Pristina
The National Library, which can be found in Kosovo’s capital, Pristina, is no doubt a remarkable building. Often used as the ultimate example of Brutalist architecture, I beg to differ. Brutalism is associated with predominantly concrete, and the library is much more than that. Its metal fish netting all around, is 99 domes of different size, the Croatian architect Andrija Mutnjaković delivered much more than just concrete when it was inaugurated in 1982. Officially, the style is meant to blend Byzantine and Islamic architectural forms – Kosovo being sensitive to both Serbian and Albanian ethnicity -, but lots of people see lots of different things in the building. I just see a fascinating architectural idea, which works for the outside, but also for the inside, as the different domes all provide bright light in each and every space, room or hall.
Inside, very 1980s, with lots of wood, marble floors and art works that represent the times. Also fascinating. An opportunity to share more photos.
next: the Gazimestan monument
another view of the outside
this part os a little Brutalist, concrete inside the mesh
the entrance, not necessarily very inviting!
inside the building, the central hall
with a marble floor in different colours
quite a floor it is
the stairs in the centre, and the light from one of the domes
the walls are done with different colour bricks, the guard has seen it all before
the large lecture hall, all wood
with an intricate wooden wall structure, attractive and useful at the same time, as it soundproofs the room (I think)
art works on the wall
do represent the time, somewhat, don’t you think?
it is a characteristic building, from whichever angle you approach
and evn from the top is is fascinating (I got this picture from Wikipedia, photographer is Arben Llapashtica)
