the NeXT Library

The Great Library of Alexandria was a monumental cultural institution in the ancient world, housing an enormous collection of books, manuscripts, and other documents. Though the original library was destroyed, its legacy endures and inspires us to create a modern library that reflects the advances in technology and the needs of today’s world.

The Next Library is a vision for the future of libraries that builds on the legacy of the Great Library of Alexandria. It is a digital space that combines experiences, cutting-edge technology and sustainability. It is a space that empowers users to explore, learn, and create new ideas that will shape the world for generations to come. The Next Library is a symbol of the enduring importance of libraries in our world.

In ancient Alexandria, the city’s architectural prominence was a testament to its remarkable engineering and design capabilities. The careful planning of the city’s layout, characterized by a grid system with broad, straight streets, facilitated efficient movement and organization. Within this well-structured framework, magnificent buildings of the ancient world arose, leaving an everlasting impact on the annals of architectural history.

During the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty, particularly under the patronage of Ptolemy I, Alexandria underwent a remarkable transformation into a center of learning and culture. It was during this period, in the early 3rd century BCE, that the iconic Great Library of Alexandria came into existence. Although specific architectural details of the library are not extensively documented, its significance as a symbol of intellectual pursuit cannot be overstated. The library stood as a beacon of knowledge and scholarship, drawing esteemed scholars and thinkers from distant lands, eager to immerse themselves in its vast collection.

Alexandria’s reputation for architectural splendor extended beyond the library. The city was renowned for its grand edifices, encompassing palaces, temples, and theaters. These magnificent structures not only showcased the city’s architectural ingenuity but also exemplified the mastery of engineering principles prevalent in ancient Alexandria. The skilled craftsmen of the city excelled in diverse disciplines, making significant contributions to both cultural and technological advancement.

One particularly noteworthy architectural marvel in Alexandria was the Pharos lighthouse, hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Rising tall and majestic, the lighthouse served as a guiding beacon for ships navigating the bustling port, exemplifying the city’s engineering prowess. Its innovative design and employment of advanced construction techniques solidified its status as a symbol of maritime innovation, commemorating the architectural achievements of ancient Alexandria for generations to come.

The Great Library of Alexandria, unfortunately, lacks detailed documentation of its architecture due to its destruction over 1,500 years ago, leaving little physical evidence behind. Nevertheless, some descriptions and depictions offer valuable insights into its structure.

It is believed that the library was not a singular building but rather a complex of interconnected structures. This library complex encompassed lecture halls, reading rooms, and storage areas specifically designed to house the vast collection of books and manuscripts. The main edifice of the library was reputedly a magnificent structure, boasting marble floors and walls adorned with intricate frescoes and mosaics. It likely stood several stories tall, featuring a central atrium with multiple wings extending outward.

Multiple entrances granted access to different sections within the library complex. Visitors would have entered through an imposing gateway located on the north side, leading them into a spacious courtyard. From there, they could explore the diverse areas within the library.

The reading rooms were likely situated on the upper levels of the library building. These rooms aimed to provide a serene and well-lit environment for scholars and readers. Large windows would have allowed ample natural light to illuminate the space. The shelves within the library were most likely constructed of wood or stone, meticulously arranged in rows and columns to accommodate the vast collection of books and manuscripts. Interestingly, it is believed that the books were stored on open shelves rather than being housed in closed cabinets or cases.

A notable feature of the Great Library was its extensive network of underground tunnels and storage areas, which played a crucial role in preserving and organizing the manuscripts. These underground spaces provided a cool and dry environment, crucial for safeguarding the delicate papyrus scrolls and manuscripts from moisture and decay. The tunnels and storage areas were likely interconnected with the main library building, facilitated by a system of ramps and stairs.

To understand the spatial organization of the Great Library of Alexandria AI text to image tools were used in conjunction with existing literature on the Library.

A sample of 10 articles were selected to be analyzed. Words describing the physical features of the library were selected. These words were further grouped based on their meanings. Words with similar meanings were grouped together to form three sets. Set 01: monumental, gargantuan, majestic, transcendent Set 02: innovative, revolutionary, pioneering, radical Set 03: collaborative, synergetic, unity, collective The initial experiments took random words (as long as they were from the same set) to create prompts that were used in text to image AI tools to generate visuals that represented the architecture of the Great Library of Alexandria.

Through the AI explorations similarities in form and spatial arrangement were found. These similarities were used to inspire/indicate the form and language of the proposed design interventions. The Next Library comprises of three parts :

1. the library of experiences

2. the path to knowledge

The climate of Despotiko Island is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Here are some climatic details about the island:

Sun Path: Despotiko Island receives a lot of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of 300 sunny days annually. During the summer months (June-August), the island experiences long days with up to 14 hours of daylight, while in the winter months (December-February), the days are shorter with up to 10 hours of daylight.

Daylight: In general, the island experiences long daylight hours during the summer months, with the sun rising early in the morning and setting late in the evening. During the winter months, the daylight hours are shorter, with the sun rising later in the morning and setting earlier in the evening.

Humidity: The humidity levels on Despotiko Island are generally low, especially during the summer months. The island experiences a dry, Mediterranean climate, with average relative humidity ranging from 40% to 60%.

Rainfall: Despotiko Island receives most of its rainfall during the winter months, from November to February, with occasional showers in March and April. The annual rainfall averages around 350mm, which is relatively low compared to other parts of Greece.

Climatic Conditions: The island experiences hot and dry summers, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C, with occasional heatwaves reaching up to 40°C. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C on average.

Despotiko Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Cyclades island group in Greece. It is situated southwest of the island of Antiparos, and east of the island of Despotikó, from which it gets its name.

The island has a rich archaeological history, with several ancient temples and sanctuaries discovered on its shores. Excavations have revealed that the island was an important religious center during the 6th and 7th centuries BCE, with worshipers flocking to its temples to honor the gods. Today, Despotiko Island is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in exploring its ancient ruins and enjoying its pristine beaches. Visitors can take a boat tour from nearby Antiparos or Paros, and spend a day exploring the island’s archaeological sites, snorkeling in its crystal-clear waters, and relaxing on its sandy beaches.

While there are no permanent settlements on the island, there are several tavernas and beach bars that cater to tourists during the summer months. Additionally, visitors can find accommodation in nearby Antiparos or Paros, and take day trips to explore Despotiko Island’s archaeological wonders.