Written by Jedediah Watkins
Read Time: 10 minutes
If you start in Centro, Mexico City amongst the thousands of
people toing and froing. Set a course heading north through the busy streets,
parks and markets. If you take a walk down some broad avenidas (particularly
Avenida Insurgentes Norte), past a few train stations, through the local musicians
playing in the street and vendors moving their wares. Meander the friendly
neighborhood of Colonia Buenavista, you might find an opening leading to a beautiful
Mexican landmark of engineering and ideas, Biblioteca Vasconcelos!
The library, a beacon of intellectual curiosity and an architectural
marvel nestled in the heart of Mexico City. Let's embark on a journey through
its history, purpose, architecture, cinematic presence, social impact, and
diverse events that make it a cultural treasure.
A Still Haven In an Endless City
For me this space was more than just steel, glass and
concrete filled with endless paper and machinery. It is so much more than a
location for a film set or to tick off of a tourists list. If you head here as
a part of your traveling journey, give it the reverence and the time it deserves.
As a global call for third spaces, study resources and public services is
reaching a fever pitch, Biblioteca Vasconcelos stands as a monument for all
things good in those social necessities.
The staff are welcoming and warm, the equipment is fully
functioning and easy to use, the space is clear and easy to traverse. All of
this while still being an architectural marvel. The space impressed with its
form and its function. There aren’t many places that capture me the way this
space has done.
The Birth of a Monument: A Brief History
Mexico City, massing out at 22 million people can never have
enough public libraries, study centres and third spaces. Heading the call, Mexico
City responded to this necessity in the best way possible. Biblioteca
Vasconcelos, also known as the Vasconcelos Library (named after Jose
Vasconcelos the former president of the national library of Mexico), was built
in the early 21st century, with construction starting in 2002 and the library
officially opening its doors to the public in 2006. The vision behind this
architectural masterpiece was to create a modern cultural center that would
house a vast collection of books, artworks, and cultural artifacts while
serving as a hub for knowledge exchange and educational activities, something I
feel it does incredibly well.
Purpose and Audience: Serving the Community
The library was designed to cater to a diverse audience,
including students, researchers, academics, and the general public. Its mission
is to promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning by providing access to
a wide range of resources, including books, multimedia materials, digital
archives, and interactive learning spaces. With free entry, wheelchair accessibility,
a braille room and a sign language centre, the library provides access to a
majority of the public.
Architectural Splendor: A Fusion of Modernism and
Innovation
As a massive fan of Brutalism and its contemporary interpretations
the architecture of Biblioteca Vasconcelos is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Designed by Mexican architect Alberto Kalach, the library seamlessly blends
modernist aesthetics with innovative structural elements. Its most distinctive
feature is the seemingly hanging book cases that edge over the platforms
overhead. The cascading books feels like the spire of a church, adding to the
larger than life presence this building adopts. A colossal whale skeleton structure is held suspended
from the ceiling, symbolizing the convergence of knowledge and nature, adding
to the unique aesthetic within this structure.
The library's open-plan layout, towering bookshelves, and
expansive glass walls create a sense of spaciousness and connectivity, inviting
visitors to explore and immerse themselves in a world of ideas and creativity. Six
floors lift the books high into the sky, with views looking out over the city
on the upper levels, giving you the joy to read some of your favourite novels
while watching the world fly by.
Cinematic Presence: Biblioteca Vasconcelos in
"Interstellar"
Biblioteca Vasconcelos gained international recognition when
it was featured in Christopher Nolan's sci-fi epic "Interstellar."
This, I’m not too ashamed to say also was the first reason I knew about the
library. As the architectural phenomenon served as the backdrop for the trance-like
scenes set in visions through outer space traversing time, showcasing its
futuristic architecture and surreal ambiance.
The shapes and design of the space allows for so many
different perspectives, angles and lights. Perfectly capturing the essence of
the moment, one larger than perspective allows, a blending of dimensions. The
film's production team utilized the library's striking features, such as its
suspended walkways and expansive reading areas, to create an otherworldly
setting that added depth and realism to the storyline.
Emotional Impact: A Brutalist Sanctuary of Knowledge
Stepping into Biblioteca Vasconcelos is akin to entering a church
of knowledge, where every corner beckons worshipers of learning. The vast open
space, illuminated by natural light streaming through the glass walls, creates
a sense of serenity and contemplation.
As I explored the library's labyrinthine pathways and
towering bookshelves, I felt a profound connection to the collective wisdom
housed within its walls. It was a place where minds converged, ideas
flourished, and individuals built temples of imagination and discovery within
their own minds. Groups amassed upon tables, meeting minds and refreshing their
ideas. There were artist, writers, students and more all expressing and sharing
information. Just being in the space made me want to begin a new line of study
so I could feel what these people were feeling while studying in this hallowed
hall.
Diverse Events and Cultural Offerings
Biblioteca Vasconcelos is not just a repository of books;
it's a dynamic cultural center that hosts a wide range of events and
activities. From book readings and author talks to art exhibitions and film
screenings, the library offers something for everyone.
Visitors can attend workshops, seminars, and educational
programs that cover a myriad of topics, from literature and history to science
and technology. The library's vibrant events calendar reflects its commitment
to fostering intellectual curiosity, creativity, and cultural exchange among
its diverse audience.
An Endless Array
With over 600,000 books (and the capacity for over 1.5 million),
some brand new and others donated, 750 computers and rotating art exhibits on
the ground floor. The library is packed with new experiences and ideas to be
received. Making it the perfect space for inspiration, writing and discovery.
Being within those tall clear walls encourages learning and focus and even more,
the creation of ideas from nothing.
Support Your Libraries!
Biblioteca Vasconcelos stands as a testament to the enduring
power of knowledge, innovation, and cultural exchange. Whether you're a book
lover, a curious explorer, or a seeker of inspiration, this architectural
marvel invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.
Wherever you read this from in the world public libraries
are becoming an endangered species, due to cuts in social funding and the
largening gap in education equality. Information freely given, knowledgeable
staff eager to help, free indoors rooms to find shelter and comfort. These are
things a society needs to progress and support the individuals who make it. If
you can, get a library card, or sponsor a card for somebody else who could use
one. University educations are just a library card away. You could bridge that
cap 😊
If you live in the UK visit https://libraryon.org/ to find your local library and begin your journey
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