Herzog & de Meuron unveils curving stone design for contentious Israel library

The 34,000-square-metre   structure is being designed in collaboration with   Israeli firm Shinar Architects. Related story: Herzog de Meuron wins second competition for National Library of IsraelAs well as housing a public library, the stone-clad building will include research laboratories and offices, educational facilities, a   visitor centre, a multipurpose hall and a climate-controlled archive. Construction is due to start in 2016 on the library, which will be located   next door to the Israel Museum, the Science Museum and the Hebrew University. News: Herzog de Meuron has revealed its design for the National Library of Israel, after being chosen to replace the Israeli architect who originally won the competition. Herzog de Meuron   presents a «strong, sculptural» design for the new national library in   Jerusalem – a project given to the Swiss firm after initial winner   Rafi Segal was   ousted from the job   over a copyright dispute. It will comprise six storeys, four of which will be buried underground. David Bloomberg, chairman of the board of directors of the National Library, said the building will «become the leading institution in the country in collecting and preserving the treasures of the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora».