The Old Building of the National Library
The first building of the National Library of Iran, designed by Andre Godard, a well-known French architect and archaeologist, was next constructed adjacent to the National Museum of Iran and officially inaugurated in 1937. This building, with its distinctive architecture, marked a significant step toward creating a standardized space for preserving and studying national resources. A few years after the inauguration, the need for expanding the library became evident. Consequently, in 1961, a new building was added to the complex, increasing the total area of the National Library building to 1000 square meters.
The New Building of the National Library
With the National Library becoming an independent organization, the idea of expanding and constructing a new facility was seriously pursued. In 1996, the foundation for the new building was laid by Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani, then President of Iran. The construction was completed in the summer of 2004 and it was officially inaugurated on March 1, 2005, during a ceremony attended by the President at the time, Hojjat-ul-Islam wa al-Muslimeen Seyyed Mohammad Khatami.
Specifications of the New Building
The new building of the National Library spans eight floors with a total area of approximately 97,000 square meters. It is designed to withstand earthquakes of up to 9 on the Richter scale and has the capacity to house 4 million under normal conditions and up to 7 million books and periodicals with compact shelving systems.
One of the most important features of the building is its stepped architecture and pyramidal design. The stepped design of the building allows for maximum utilization of natural light. Horizontal light enters through windows and edge skylights between the floors, while vertical light is provided by skylights installed on the roof, illuminating the reading halls and main spaces.
The pyramid-like structure of the building echoes the design of many historical Iranian architectural masterrpicese. The interior lighting, facilitated by roof skylights and frontal windows, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of bazaars, caravanserias, mosques, and historic stone structure like castles and citadels.
The design extends the building itself, seamlessly integrating with the undulating green landscape surrounding it. This harmonious connection between the building and its natural environment creates a unified and enduring architectural masterpiece. The new building of the National Library of Iran, blending modern and traditional architecture, stands as a timeless symbol of contemporary Iranian architectural excellence.