Tecnológico de Monterrey - La Biblioteca

The Tecnológico de Monterrey Library was first built in 1969 and the aging infrastructure of the building lagged behind the growth of the university. The university approached Sasaki to collaborate with them and design a building that would be the leading academic library in Mexico. Working on the site of the previous library, the new library was designed to embody the academic mission of Tecnológico de Monterrey. The ground floor of the Library is a plaza enclosed by an auditorium and cafe on one side and a gallery and maker-space on the other. Within the plaza is a carpet of locally-sourced stone pavers which is accented by white precast concrete benches and lush native plantings. These benches, as well as movable furniture, are utilized by students and faculty alike for collaborative study. The upper floors of the Library have spectacular scenic views out over the campus. The fifth floor of the library is designed with a double-height balcony terrace with framed views of Cerro de la Silla, the iconic mountain that neighbors the campus. This covered terrace creates space for contemplative study and relaxation. Visitors are able to take a sculptural staircase that leads up to a rooftop terrace with a 360° uninhibited view of the surrounding landscape. The roof terrace is a simple carpet of the same ground floor stone pavers framed by a custom bench with moveable furniture and a surrounding sedum green roof.