Switzerland RWI Bibliothek, Zurich

Ever since this library opened in 2004, it has been a crowd puller. No wonder, because the library designed by the Spanish star architect Santiago Calatrava is simply overwhelming.

Seen from the outside, the building of the Institute of Law at the University of Zurich, designed by Hermann Fietz in 1909, has not changed much. A glass dome on the former flat roof catches the eye of the knowing eye. However, this eye of light should not be underestimated, because the library in the heart of the building owes its radiance to it: the longitudinal oval glass dome covers a formerly open inner courtyard. Six encircling, lens-shaped galleries – along which parapets are seamlessly lined with tables for students – follow the beam of light down to the ground floor. The library is flooded with light thanks to the material used – white natural stone for the floor on the ground floor and light wood for the other floors and the table railings in the galleries.

Important: for photographers and interested visitors: photography is allowed inside. However, the library is reserved for students. Visitors are asked to keep quiet and only move around on the ground floor.

Perfect for a wide angel lens!

Zurich city