The University Clinic of Düsseldorf’s new “O.A.S.E.” library, a 125 feet tall structure that went up with fewer than two years of planning and construction time, catches the eye from a distance. This is because the architects were inspired by the library’s contents and designed the facade to resemble a capillary system: Organically-shaped white glass mosaic fields, interacting with glass surfaces made of green-colored solar protection glass, draw a mesh over the slim cube and lend it its unmistakable form. The “capillary” lines of windows also affect the interior by creating a different sunlight illumination on every floor. Students find an attractive learning and working environment that meets today’s demands. Lounge-type learning zones and seating areas were freely arranged between the closed rooms. The playful interaction of geo­metrical and organic shapes permits reading and learning just as much as inspiration, social encounters and exchange. The entire interior is dominated by gray purple, aqueous blue, plain white, different shades of green, with a few accents in magenta.

The amorphous facade design offers the option of presenting lighting moods to the outside world by means of integrated floor luminaires that change color. This makes the building interesting in the evening as well, by orchestrating the colors of the facade openings.


Architect: HPP Architects, Düsseldorf 

Lighting designer: a·g Licht GbR, Bonn

Photographer: Reiner Kaltenbach, Düsseldorf