Ceuta Public Library
Paredes Pedrosa Arquitectos- Typologies Library Culture / Leisure
- Material Concrete Metal Glass Aluminum
- Date 2007 - 2014
- City Ceuta
- Country Spain
- Photographer Fernando Alda Roland Halbe PPA
- Brand Jofebar Acciona GOGAITE JG Ingenieros


The complex features of the site – with a fragment of the medieval Marinid city –, the compactness of Ceuta, and the deep slope called for a proposal with a unifying character. The architecture is born from the place, offering one reading in spite of the different premises, seeking a harmonious coexistence of different periods and uses, different urban geometries and levels that all stem from the steep topography.
The Ceuta Public Library is organized around the archaeological site, which becomes part of its interior spaces and is included in the geometry of the new building. Triangular hanging lamps mark the direction of the old streets, illuminating the remains, and the depth of the space. The faceted volume rests on a concrete plinth and the enclosure includes two layers: an interior glass one and an outer aluminum-perforated one wrapped up in a light metal skin that reduces glare and solar gain, maximizing the use of natural daylight while ventilating the facade and moderating the strong wind from the Strait of Gibraltar. Several concrete structural voids are cut out of the double facade of the Library, offering views towards both seas and onto the city with all its layers of time and rich history.





















Arquitectos Architects
Ángela García de Paredes. Ignacio G. Pedrosa
Colaboradores Collaborators
Lucía Guadalajara, Álvaro Rábano, Clemens Eichner, Álvaro Oliver, Guiomar Martín, Eva Urquijo, Ángel Camacho, Ignacio Cordero, Blanca Leal, Roberto Lebrero
Dirección de ejecución Execution manager
Juan Antonio Zoido, Luís Calvo
Estructura Structure
Alfonso G. Gaite GOGAITE, S.L.
Instalaciones Mechanical engineering
JG Ingenieros S.A.
Arqueólogo Archaeologist
Fernando Villada (Patrimonio de Ceuta)
Propietario Owner
Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte
Gestión Management
Ciudad Autónoma de Ceuta
Contrata Contractor
Acciona Infraestructuras S.A.; Jofebar (fachada de aluminio perforado perforated aluminum facade)
Superficie construida Floor area
6.739 m² (incluido yacimiento with archaeological site)
Presupuesto Budget
8.875.831 euros (edificio building); 99.128 euros (musealización museology)
Maqueta Model
Juan de Dios Hernández & Jesús Rey
Fotos Photos
Fernando Alda, Roland Halbe, PPA