The UvA's new university library is a project that has been eagerly awaited for years. On the Binnengasthuisterrein, right in the center, a place has been created where students, researchers and Amsterdam residents can come together. The old hospital buildings have been completely redesigned and converted into a space that feels modern but does not deny its history.
The first thing you notice as soon as you step inside is the light. Large windows and open spaces make you feel that you are not in a classic library, but in a kind of urban living room where learning and meeting come together. For students, it's a breath of fresh air: finally a place where you can study quietly while taking advantage of all the modern facilities, from high-speed networking to group rooms.
The collection is impressive and ranges from centuries-old books to digital databases. What used to be behind closed doors is now available in a much more accessible way. For researchers this means convenience, for visitors an opportunity to become acquainted with the richness of the UvA.
What makes the library special is that it is more than a place to read. It regularly hosts lectures and workshops, and has space for small exhibitions. The library thus becomes a meeting place for the city. Not only students benefit, but also residents who are curious about science and culture.
"The new UvA Library shows that knowledge can live as much in monuments as in modern apps."
There is also a focus on sustainability. The building is energy efficient and exudes the UvA's ambition to be progressive, not only in education, but also in how the university deals with the city and its future.
The atmosphere is quiet, but not stiff. You'll see students bent over laptops, tourists taking a peek and local residents coming to admire the architecture. It feels like the library is a bridge between the university and the city.