The Frescati Library celebrates 40 years 2023
The Frescati Library was completed in 1983, created by the British architect Ralph Erskine (1914-2005), who lived and worked in Sweden for most of his life. Erskine was one of the most prominent figures in Swedish architecture during the 20th century, and always strived to integrate the surrounding landscape in his buildings, which the Frescati Library is a clear example of.
1983 – The Frescati Library is inaugurated
Stockholm University was considered as a modern, even radical, university in contrast to older, more traditional universities, which suited Erskine well, since he had great commitment to the political and social possibilities of architecture in society. The library building reflects this through its openness and comfort.
Erskine designed the library as an inviting living room with comfortable furniture, balconies for sunbathing, and a café next to the entrance. Thoughtful details made the library's large open indoor landscape pleasant and easy to navigate despite its size.
2013-2014 – The Frescati Library is completely renovated
During 2013–2014 The Frescati library was completely renovated. After 30 years, the library was in dire need of a refresh and, moreover, working methods had changed both for students and staff, and the premises needed to be adapted to them. The students needed more study places for group work allowing both talking, mobile phones and computers. The staff's workspace was also adapted to collaboration in groups, which also made it possible to give more space to the students. At the same time, it was important to preserve Erskine's inspiring environment with light, space and interaction with the surrounding nature.
The library was open during the whole renovation except for two weeks at Christmas 2013. In the public areas, the work was done in two stages, where half the library was screened off with a plastic screen. All the books, bookshelves and furniture were first moved to one half, then to the other, to finally be spread out again throughout the house. The hardy visitors were given earplugs and had to look for books in new places from day to day, sometimes in net cages.
2023 – The Frescati Library of today
Today the library keeps changing while keeping its character of comfort and ease.
The play of light Erskine created with large light admissions from windows and light gardens makes the building both pleasant and easy to orientate in. At the same time, the light is well balanced so as not to disturb studies or materials.
Look at The Street of Books, the north-south lane on the upper level that has pleasant light from windows high up – without any books being damaged by sunlight!
Last updated: December 5, 2023
Source: Stockholm University Library