Książnica Kopernikańska Library in Toruń

The new wing of the Książnica Kopernikańska in Toruń – “The Universe of Books” – opened in March 2026 as a modern, multifunctional space designed by the architectural studio Kwadratura. It was created as a user-focused environment where educational, cultural, and social functions blend into a cohesive, open, and welcoming setting. 

The new library extension offers, among other facilities, an open reading room with free access to collections, a coworking area, a media library, as well as spaces for meetings and relaxation. It is a flexible, inclusive place that supports both focused individual work and social interaction. 

One of the key architectural features is the double-layer glazed façade, which plays an important role in the building’s sustainable performance. The “double-skin” system creates an air buffer between the glazing layers, enabling natural regulation of indoor temperatures throughout the year. As a result, the building achieves improved user comfort while reducing energy consumption and supporting a more environmentally responsible approach. 

Light plays a crucial role in shaping the interior experience. The lighting solutions provide comfortable, evenly distributed conditions for both work and relaxation, while maintaining high energy efficiency. 

Special emphasis was placed on luminaires with circular forms – particularly Artshape Round Edge and Rubin Round. Their geometry references the graphic representation of Copernicus’ vision of the Universe featured on the building’s façade. The motif of the circle and heliocentrism, present both outside and inside, creates a coherent and distinctive spatial identity. 

This is complemented by Lightpod V2 projectors, which provide flexible accent lighting, Backlite V2 panels ensuring soft and uniform illumination, and linear systems – X-Line LED Compact, Artshape Line Wall, and X-Line Pro – which organize the space and emphasize its functional layout. 

Together, these elements form a cohesive lighting system that supports the diverse activities of users and reinforces the project’s concept – a modern, open space dedicated to knowledge, encounters, and inspiration. 

 

Project: Kwadratura 
Photography: Przemysław Andruk