The city of Ventspils is being enhanced with yet another outstanding example of a public building: the new Gāliņciems Library offers residents a motivating and comfortable environment with lighting, curtain, and plumbing solutions from KRASSKY. This project was realized thanks to the architectural bureau Sarma & Norde and the initiative of Ventspils municipality.
A significant role in the development of the project concept is played by the surrounding natural tree landscape, whose grandeur creates a contrast with the building's light, linear architecture. The openness of the public center and its visual connection with the surroundings are further reinforced by the glass façades of the building.
Along the perimeter of the façades, Creation Baumann curtains with a heat-reflective fabric with aluminum coating were chosen, that also enhance the acoustic properties of the space. The curtains are electronically controlled, allowing for easy adjustment of daylight levels according to the sun's movement.
The interior lighting project is designed in accordance with the building's character: illumination does not exist on its own, but naturally highlights the geometry of the space, providing an optimal amount of light for reading even in places where the ceilings reach a height of six meters. The lighting system is includes various scenarios according to the functional zoning of the spaces and the time of day.
Top-quality projectors with patented lens technology from Erco provide functional interior lighting that is sufficiently powerful for illuminating large spaces while being diffused in a way that avoids glare. On the other hand, the integrated S-shaped luminaires from Lightnet are individually designed as a continuation of the architectural space.
Looking from the outside during dark hours of the day, the glass building is illuminated with scattered light directed from Lightnet luminaires towards the ceiling, creating a warm and inviting image of the library. With the help of energy-efficient iGuzzini lanterns, a broad and uniform outdoor lighting was achieved, complementing the architectural landscape surrounding the building.
The construction project of the Gāliņciems Public Center was initiated in 2016 and is now being opened during the 2023 Ventspils City Festival. After years of collaboration, a unified goal has been achieved – a more beautiful, accessible, and well-equipped environment for the cultural development of society.
Project authors: "SARMA & NORDE Architects"
Year: 2022
Location: Ventspils, Latvia
Area: 618 m2