About the Library
Basic information about the library
In the Iate 1997, an architectural competition for the Iibrary was announced. Of the 14 entries sent in, the jury selected the design by architects Ladislav Kuba and Tomáš Pilař. The winner of the building contractor tender was the IMOS Company.
Construction works were started in November 2000 and were completed towards the end of 2001. The Iibrary was officially on 18 March 2002.
The Iibrary building is situated in a block of diverse buildings from the 19th and the 20th centuries. It closes the perimeter ofthe Arts Faculty campus, separating it from the residential part ofthe block. Its simple Iines contrast with the surrounding buildings, emphasizing its important role in the Iife ofthe Faculty, and its specific mission. The interior ofthe concrete monolithic structure ofthe Iibrary exploits the contrast between the exposed concrete and the décor ofhardened glass, metallic-painted steel, stainless steel elements, and bold colours of carpets and information counters.
Complementary elements - Iandscaping, paved footpaths, greenery and sculptures in front of the building - were designed to harmonize with the Iibrary building.
The building has received the following awards:
- Grand Prix OA 2002
- Union of Visual Artists Award 2002
- Award of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic
At the present time, the Central Library (FACL) has more than 200,000 volumes in closed stacks and a Reading Rooms for 400 students with a reference collection of about 120,000 books. The Central Library of the Faculty of Arts of Masaryk University (further FACL) is a specialised establishment with the Faculty of Arts responsible for all library and information services. These services are provided by a staff of university-trained experts.
