The Unique Geometric Design Of Belarus' National Library

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive architectural landmark in Minsk. Designed by architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, the building is a striking example of modern design and unusual architecture. The library's main architectural component takes the form of a rhombicuboctahedron, a complex polyhedron of 18 squares and 8 triangles resting on a supporting podium. This unique shape symbolises the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the perceptible world, with its glass surface reflecting the light during the day and creating a sparkling effect. Standing at 72-73.6 metres tall with 22-23 floors, the National Library of Belarus is an iconic structure that houses the largest collection of Belarusian printed materials and serves as the main information and cultural centre of the country.

The National Library of Belarus is shaped like a rhombicuboctahedron

The National Library of Belarus is an example of the constructivism age of architecture in the country. It is located in the park zone of the Slepyanka River and greenery system in Minsk, Belarus. The building is 73.6 metres (241.5 feet) tall and weighs 115,000 tonnes (excluding books). It has 23 floors and can seat about 2,000 readers. The library also features a 500-seat conference hall, a café, and a gallery.

The library's interior is decorated with works by modern Belarusian artists and sculptors. The central entrance is designed to look like an open book, with pictures highlighting the development of the global and Slavonic written languages. The library's collection contains about 9 million editions in various media, including printed editions, manuscripts, microcopies, and digital materials created in over 80 languages.

The National Library of Belarus is not just a repository of knowledge but also a multipurpose centre that combines high technology, ultramodern design, and unusual architecture. It serves as an information, research, sociocultural, and sociopolitical centre for the country. The building is a unique specimen of a smart structure, boasting modern informational, technological, and engineering systems.

The building's facade has a multicoloured LED display

The National Library of Belarus is a spectacular example of modern architecture, combining ultramodern design with unusual shapes. The building's facade is a true testament to this innovative design approach, featuring a multicoloured LED display that captivates both locals and visitors alike.

This LED display is a relatively new addition to the library, coming to life each evening and illuminating the building with a dazzling array of colours and patterns. The display consists of over 4,500 light sources, each contributing to the creation of intricate light shows that dance across the library's exterior. With over 65,000 colours at its disposal, the facade puts on a mesmerising spectacle, captivating all who bear witness.

The designers of the library, architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, envisioned a building that would become an iconic landmark in Belarus. Their winning design, chosen from a USSR-wide contest, proposed a unique shape for the library—a rhombicuboctahedron, a complex polyhedron of 18 squares and 8 triangles resting on a supporting podium. This distinctive shape, inspired by the cut of a diamond, symbolises the value of knowledge and the infinite nature of the world around us.

The LED display enhances this architectural masterpiece, transforming it into a dynamic canvas of light and colour. With each light show, the library takes on a new persona, showcasing the versatility and beauty of modern design. The display also serves a practical purpose, providing the country's largest advertising space, measuring an impressive 1,485 square metres.

The National Library of Belarus is more than just a repository of knowledge; it is a testament to the fusion of architecture and technology, inspiring and intriguing all who lay eyes on its ever-changing facade.

The library is covered in glass panels

The National Library of Belarus is a stunning example of modern architecture, and its unique shape has become an iconic landmark in Minsk. The library's main architectural component is a rhombicuboctahedron, a complex polyhedron consisting of 18 squares and 8 triangles, resting on a supporting base. This distinctive shape is brought to life with a glass exterior, creating a sparkling diamond effect.

The library's designers, architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov (or Michael Vinogradov), envisioned a building that symbolised the immense value of knowledge. They chose the cut diamond shape to represent the endlessness of the perceptible world and the multifaceted nature of knowledge. To achieve this, the structure is covered entirely in glass panels, reflecting the light during the day and creating a dazzling display.

The glass facade of the library is not just an aesthetic choice but also a way to showcase the building's modern design and functionality. During the daytime, the glass panels reflect sunlight, creating a sparkling effect that makes the library resemble a giant diamond. This visual effect is a stunning representation of the knowledge and wisdom contained within the library's walls.

However, the challenge of maintaining this sparkling effect at night was something the architects wanted to address. They recognised that external floodlights would not be effective as the glass panels would reflect the light into space. To overcome this, they collaborated with GVA Lighting, utilising their PixeLED fixture technology.

The lighting system consists of 4646 PixeLEDs installed behind the glass, along with controllers, splitters, a converter, and a personal computer. This setup allows for dynamic lighting scenarios that can be customised, modified, and scheduled using specialised software. With this innovative lighting design, the National Library of Belarus continues to shine brightly even after the sun sets, ensuring its iconic presence is felt around the clock.

The National Library of Belarus, with its glass-covered structure, has become a symbol of knowledge and innovation, attracting visitors from all over the world. The combination of its unique shape and dazzling lighting displays has elevated the library to become one of the most recognisable architectural landmarks in the country.

The building is 73.6 metres tall

The National Library of Belarus stands at 73.6 metres (approximately 241.5 feet) tall. This height is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air pedestrian entrance to the architectural top of the building. The building is 242 feet tall if measured to the highest point, including functional-technical equipment such as flagpoles and antennae.

The library has 23 floors and weighs 115,000 tonnes (or 140,000 tonnes, according to another source), not including books and equipment. The building's roof features an observation deck with binoculars, offering panoramic views of the city. The elevator leading to the roof is located on the backside of the building.

The National Library of Belarus is an impressive structure, not only for its height but also for its unique shape and design. The main architectural component of the building is in the shape of a rhombicuboctahedron, a complex polyhedron consisting of 18 squares and 8 triangles. This distinctive shape, known as the "Belarusian diamond," was designed by architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, who envisioned it as a symbol of the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the perceptible world.

The library's construction began in November 2002 and was completed in January 2006, with the new building opening to the public on June 16, 2006. It is located in Minsk, Belarus, and serves as the country's main information and cultural centre, housing approximately 10 million items across various media.

The library is located in a park on a river bank

The National Library of Belarus is located in a park on the bank of the Slepianka River. The building is a spectacular example of modern architecture, with a unique shape that has earned it a place in the world's top unusual buildings.

The library's main architectural component is a rhombicuboctahedron, a complex polyhedron of 18 squares and 8 triangles resting on a supporting podium. The surface of this "diamond" is covered in glass, symbolising the value of knowledge and the endlessness of the world. This unusual shape was designed by architects Viktor Kramarenko and Mikhail Vinogradov, who envisioned a building that combined functionality and modern design.

The National Library is more than just a collection of books; it is a multipurpose centre that blends cutting-edge technology with innovative design and architecture. The building is a true landmark, standing at 73.6 metres tall and weighing 115,000 tonnes (not including books). It has 23 floors, including a roof terrace with an observation deck, cafe and gallery.

The library is located in a park zone on the banks of the Slepyanka River, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for visitors. The park offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Minsk, which surrounds it. The river adds to the beauty of the location, creating a natural oasis in the heart of the city. The library's location in this green space enhances its status as a cultural and educational centre, providing a calm and inspiring environment for visitors to explore knowledge and learning.

The National Library of Belarus is not just a repository of books but a symbol of the country's commitment to knowledge, culture, and innovation. Its location in a park on the river bank adds to its allure, creating a serene atmosphere that invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration.

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