Contemporary Shelving System
SEPKA ARCHITECTS REVITALIZE HISTORIC LIBRARY AT ZELIV MONASTERY
Photography by Ales Jungmann.
Echoes of Innovation
Entrusted with the task of revitalizing the dormant library within the Premonstratensian monastery nestled in Želiv, Czech architects from Šépka embarked on a journey to reimagine its spatial dynamics. Their vision birthed a strikingly modern shelving ensemble, seamlessly melding with the historical milieu while accommodating the repository's extensive literary treasures. Crafted onsite with locally-sourced gravel and river pebbles, the fusion of concrete and steel not only pays homage to the site's heritage but also fosters a symbiotic relationship between tradition and innovation.
Dating back to the 12th century, the monastery's narrative is steeped in upheavals and renovations, echoing the resilience of its occupants across centuries. Embracing the architectural legacy left by Jan Santini Aichel, the library's grandeur is punctuated by ornate frescoes adorning its vaulted ceilings, evoking a sense of timeless grandeur. In an ode to continuity, Šépka architects eschewed replication in favor of bespoke design, meticulously tailored to the library's archival needs and spatial constraints.
Symphonic Serenity
Fashioned from a composite blend of concrete pillars and metallic shelving, the units stand as stalwart guardians of knowledge, their understated elegance underscoring the sanctity of the scholarly enclave. Engineered for both durability and aesthetic finesse, the shelving units harmonize effortlessly with the opulent surroundings, ascending gracefully beneath the celestial expanse of the Baroque ceiling. Evoking the principles of proportionality, each element is imbued with a delicate equilibrium, fostering a visual symphony that resonates throughout the space.
At the heart of the library, an imposing concrete and steel table spans eight meters, serving as a platform for showcasing rare tomes beneath gleaming glass domes. Symbolizing a metaphorical banquet, the tableau pays homage to the monastery's communal ethos, drawing inspiration from the adjacent refectory. "Our endeavor was to evoke a sense of conviviality, mirroring the fellowship ingrained within the monastery's ethos," articulate the architects, encapsulating the symbiosis between architectural ingenuity and cultural heritage.
