Hadid will continue construction despite a court ruling

Zaha Hadid will continue construction of the controversial Seville library despite public opposition and a court ruling against the firm.

The 5.6 million dollar library at the city’s university, described by Hadid as ‘a sculpted bar of stone with a great contrast between solidity and transparency’, has fallen foul of local residents, who claim the library will occupy 8% of the Prado de San Sebastian, a green area that provides welcome sanctuary in the summer months for residents.

However, following the court ruling in the residents favour, AJ has been informed by Hadid the practice will continue construction during the appeal process - in direct contravention of the resident association’s demands.

The statement said: ‘The Government of Andalucía, the Seville City Council and the University of Seville will be appealing the ruling. All construction works continue as normal throughout the appeal process.’

The three-storey building will cover 8,000 m2 and house reading rooms, cafes, auditoriums, computer rooms and parking.

In a statement to the court, the residents said: ‘The specifications regarding the new library clearly violate the protection measures derived from the fact that the Prado de San Sebastian is part of Seville’s historic city centre.’

Tama Art University Library by Toyo Ito

Tama Art University Library
Hachioji City, Japan


Ito sure made an impression by designing a Romanesque building in Japan. The library seems minimal with its use of concrete as to not make too much of an impression on studying students occupying the library. I couldn't help but think that Ito took the Palace of Italian Civilization by Padula and put his own modern twist for the exterior.


With the hard surfaces, i've always wondered how noticeable faint sounds could be heard throughout the library. Ito seems to take his inspiration from Bibliotheque Nationale by Labrouste for the interior. The light sources within the bays even hint the resemblance of the oculi that are present in the Bibliotheque Nationale.


Nonetheless, this is a case where less is more. i find the library to be a beautiful and elegant structure. There are hints of drama where need be and yet the interior architecture takes its role blending into the background as not to be a major focus to students.


Photos taken by Iwan Baan.