The library is a compact building, whose design relies heavily on the use of 60° angles. Both the conference and exhibition areas, which flank the entrance hall, are flat-roofed hexagonal spaces: the main reading room comprises seven hexagonal units each surmounted by an hexahedral dome that is accented with skylights. The central dome is larger than the surrounding ones.
The site has been divided into two levels by a retaining wall. The main entrance is located on the top floor with access to it from the upper level. A central stairwell provides access to the two public floors. A separate stairwell in the entrance annex provides access to the two upper, public floors in addition to the two lower, service floors. Floor to ceiling windows have been used extensively in the public areas of the main building to take full advantage of the view. Two hexagonal exhaust towers flank the entrance annex
Variant Names Atatürk Kütüphanesi
Location Istanbul, Turkey
Architect/Planner Sedad Hakki Eldem
Client Vehbi Koç Foundation
Date 1976
Century 20th
Decade 1970s
Building Type educational
Building Usage library