Library of the Institute of Law, Zurich, Switzerland

Designed and built by the famous architect Santiago Calatrava, the library of the Institute of Law in Zurich was integrated into the courtyard of the original chemistry building, dating from 1909.

The interior of the library is constituted of bright timber galleries surrounding an asymmetric elliptic airspace which reaches from the first floor up to the seventh one. Viewing the construction from the first storey the balustrades of the floors seem to float in space –only eight hardly visible pillars carry the structure. The university library is roofed with a glass cupola featuring an integrated mechanical solar shade, which maximizes daylight in winter and minimizes immoderate heat in summer. 5000 meters space for books and 500 working places are offered.

The library of the Institute of Law is a successful intervention within historic surroundings that constitutes a beautiful, functioning space for students and faculty. Restrooms are equipped with LAUFEN gallery products.