The largest technical-scientific library in the Netherlands travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

Located in Delft, the central TU Delft Library houses the most of technical and scientific information in the Netherlands. The collection comprises books, periodicals, conference proceedings, reports, standards and reference works. Designed by Delft-based Mecanoo architecture studio in 1997, it is also a magnificent piece of architecture. The library has won the Dutch National Steel Price in 1998 in the category buildings of steel and hybrid constructions.

Although is nearly fifteen years old, the library is still an excellent example of forward-thinking design. Mecanoo designed the library as a sloped plane, extending the grass from the ground to the very edge of the roof. This is a public place that is not only a core for information, but also features a prodigious public green roof for people to explore, relax and play.  The green roof also provides the interior with a much reduced need for cooling and helps the Delft University of Technology campus control storm water runoff.  Everyone is welcome to use the facilities that are open to the public, such as information searches, reference works and periodicals. The library has many different study areas, each with their own character.

The roof of the library is covered with grass, which serves as a natural insulation. The structure lifts from the ground on one side allowing walk to the top of the building. The library is topped by the steel cone, giving its unique shape. The cone emerges from inside of the library and peeks out of the roof. Underneath the cone inside the library is the circulation desk area. Within the cone, there is a spiral staircase that begins from beneath the cone all the way up inside the cone.