His Highness the Aga Khan and Portuguese President Cavaco Silva arrive at the Castle of São Jorge in Lisbon for the presentation ceremony for the 2013 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. AKDN / Gary Otte
The pace of change is accelerating in our world and it is critical that the Architectural Award should continue to be positioned at the cutting edge of change. The future will bring an ever-demanding set of new challenges, such as global urbanisation. My hope is that the Award will always be responsive to the challenge of change.
Shortlisted Project – 2014-2016 Award Cycle: Bunateka Libraries, various locations, Kosovo
A series of public libraries for disadvantaged youth in rural areas.
Bunateka is a word-play on the Albanian words burimi (source) bunar (fountain) biblioteka (library).
The architect, Bujar Nrecaj lived in Kosovo until the age of 12. He grew up and was educated in Switzerland. Nearly 17 years later, as he returned to his home town of Lutogllavë, he saw nothing had changed; there was no library and there were no books. So the idea for the Bunateka emerged from the aspiration to establish libraries in Kosovo’s rural areas in order to provide disadvantaged youth with opportunities, to access books, and educational materials. Watch his TedX Talk here to learn more.
A 4×6 metre wood and glass box on a concrete foundation and fully covered with a solid roof and glazed sides to enable the books within to be seen from all sides, with exterior horizontal louvers and an alignment to protect them from the sun. Although contemporary in style with its clear lines, it hearkens back to the traditional rural houses.
It is an inviting infrastructure serving as a location for students to gather, learn, and broaden their knowledge. Until now, eight libraries have been built. In addition to educating students, the Bunatekas also have successfully become the vibrant neighbourhood hubs. “The idea is that books are a source of knowledge just like water is the source of life,” says the architect.
Project Video
A series of public libraries for disadvantaged youth in rural areas.
Project Gallery
Bunateka in Drenoc village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Bunateka in Drenoc village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Bunateka in Lutoggliave Village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Bunateka in Lubinjë e Epërme village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Bunateka in Lubinjë e Epërme village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Bunateka in Lubinjë e Epërme village AKTC / Cemal Emden
Arif lives miles away from the crowded city of Chicago. He has interest in technology, spirituality, religion, psychology and community. Find him somewhat engaged on Twitter.
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