QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY, DOHA

By contribution to the  Qatar National Library in Doha, designed by OMA, UniFor is part of the realization of a major cultural and research institution within Education City. Conceived as an open and unified environment, the building integrates knowledge, community, and technology, translating the evolving role of the library into a flexible, multi-use space.

Organized as a single, continuous space of approximately 45,000 square meters, the building is defined by a stepped configuration that ensures full visual continuity. Large corrugated glass façades allow natural light to penetrate deeply into the interior, reinforcing spatial clarity and enabling visitors to perceive the library as a unified landscape.

The arrangement of CF bookcases becomes the primary architectural device, structuring space and guiding circulation. UniFor’s intervention plays a central role in this system, establishing a cohesive relationship between display, storage, and movement throughout the building.

The CF library system, designed by Dante Bonuccelli, is deployed extensively across the project, with 325 bookcases developed in 18 different versions. Conceived as a self-supporting, double-sided modular system, it is composed of aluminum uprights and shelves secured to a sheet steel base, combining structural clarity with formal reduction.

Customized to meet the requirements of the library, the CF system integrates white marble coverings, direct and indirect LED lighting, temperature and humidity sensors, air recirculation systems, and full data connectivity. Sliding glass doors, acoustic films, display elements, and integrated monitor supports enable a dynamic and adaptive organization of the collections.

UniFor’s contribution extends across approximately 3,000 square meters of glass partitions and includes over 200 operational workstations, 50 library tables, and a complete set of furnishing and partition elements. These systems operate in continuity with the architecture, supporting openness while ensuring functional precision.

Reading and consultation areas are organized with Naòs System tables by Studio Cerri & Associati, characterized by anodized aluminum frames and white back-painted glass tops. Equipped with integrated cable management and lighting elements, the tables support both individual study and collective use within a clear and ordered layout.

Enclosed environments are defined by customized AP partition systems by Andrée Putnam, with anodized aluminum structures and double-glazed panels extending from floor to ceiling. These systems combine transparency and acoustic performance, accommodating offices, meeting rooms, and study areas within the open space.

Additional operational areas are equipped with height-adjustable solutions, including 20 iSatelliti S200 workstations, supporting ergonomic use and adaptability. These elements respond to the technological and functional requirements of a contemporary research and learning environment.

In the Children’s Library, the CF system is reinterpreted through 28 custom bookcases in black brushed aluminum, integrating digital displays, data connectivity, and tailored storage. Combined with open cabinets and custom seating elements, this environment is designed to encourage interaction while maintaining visibility and spatial continuity.

Developed in ongoing dialogue with OMA, UniFor’s intervention translates architectural intent into a comprehensive system of furnishings and partitions. The project reflects a shared approach to cultural spaces, where structure and use converge to support knowledge, interaction, and the collective experience of the library.