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Stockholm Public Library

Stockholm Public Library

Gunnar Asplund

Photo: En Dum En · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Location
Odenplan, Stockholm, Sweden
Client / Owner
—
Year
Completed 1928
Access
Private
Typology
Cultural

The Stockholm Public Library near Odenplan was designed by Gunnar Asplund. The scheme was proposed in 1922, construction began in 1924 and the library opened on March 31, 1928. Erik Lallerstedt designed two western annex blocks in 1929 to 1932, and Paul Hedqvist an annex in 1952 and 1953. The article names no client.

The article describes classicism shifting to functionalism, with classical elements reduced to abstract geometric forms and decoration largely removed. A rotunda forms a tall cylinder on an approximately square base. It was Sweden's first public library with open shelves, and Asplund designed furnishings for specific rooms.

A 2006 competition for an extension drew 1,170 entries, and Heike Hanada's design won in 2007, but the extension was put on hold in late 2009. The library closed for renovation in 2024, with reopening planned for 2028. The article gives no dimensions or materials.

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