The Frescati Library celebrates 40 years
The Frescati Library was completed in 1983, created by the British architect Ralph Erskine (1914-2005), who lived and worked in Sweden for most of his life. Erskine was one of the most prominent figures in Swedish architecture during the 20th century, and always strived to integrate the surrounding landscape in his buildings, which the Frescati Library is a clear example of.
Stockholm University Library as an organization is older than that, however – a university reform in 1977 made the library an independent organization. As part of this, a new main library was built, the Frescati Library, which was inaugurated by King Carl XVI Gustaf in June 40 years ago.
The library is centrally located on Campus Frescati at Stockholm University and is linked to Södra huset via a large entrance hall. The architecture is characterized by nature and the surrounding environment, which is particularly evident on the eastern side where the house is built in an arch around a hill with an oak grove.
Over the years, the library has undergone a number of changes, with the renovation in the mid-2010s being the largest one. Several long-awaited group workplaces for students were created then, which also required several new windows in order not to lose Erskine's vision of light. In 2023, the house still feels modern, with flexibility and communication as hallmarks.
During this year of anniversary, images will be displayed in the library, linked to three events of the history of the Frescati Library. Read more:
Last updated: June 1, 2023
Source: Stockholm University Library