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Stuttgart City Library

The Stuttgart City Library presents itself like a cubic crystal. Its uniform outer shell, composed of modularly assembled squares, consists of translucent glass blocks framed by exposed concrete frames.

A shining crystal at Mailänder Platz

Stuttgart City Library – Cubic Radiance

Rising like a luminous crystal, the Stuttgart City Library stands as a striking solitaire at Mailänder Platz. The strictly cubic structure, with an edge length of 44 meters, follows a clear geometric concept: its façade consists of evenly arranged, translucent glass blocks framed by exposed concrete. Behind this outer shell lies a second, glass skin that protects and zones the building’s interior. The minimalist design language gives the building exceptional radiance and clearly distinguishes it from the surrounding architecture. The monolithic idea is also continued functionally – all four sides of the cube serve as entrances. The design by South Korean architect Eun Young Yi combines understated elegance with maximum spatial impact. Today, the City Library is not only a cultural center but also a defining architectural landmark of the city.

Inside, an impressive spatial concept unfolds: a vacant, four-story central space, entirely in white, forms the heart of the building. A square skylight floods the space with daylight. Around this “Silent Room” winds a multi-story gallery, whose airy structure makes reading and working a special experience. After nightfall, the building transforms into a mysteriously blue-glowing cube.

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Our products in use

The Gretsch-Unitas Group supplied high-quality lift and slide fittings, locks, door closers, and escape door control systems for this demanding project. This ensured that both design and functional requirements for accessibility, security, and comfort were met – in line with the needs of a modern public building with high user frequency.

Since 1958, Gretsch-Unitas has set standards with its lift and slide system. The universally applicable fittings for timber, PVC, and metal can be individually adapted – including threshold solutions. They can be operated manually or motorized, are tested for burglar resistance up to RC 3, and are also certified for retrofitting.

Escape door expertise down to the smallest detail:
The GU Group provides well-conceived solutions for escape and rescue routes – tailored to individual project requirements and certified according to EN 179, EN 1125, and DIN EN 13637. Self-locking BKS locks and GU SECURY multi-point locks with panic function guarantee maximum security. All components are optimally coordinated – for tested functionality, uncompromising safety, and consistently aesthetic design.

The comprehensive range of BKS mortise locks offers visual consistency as well as various locking types for timber, steel, aluminum, or plastic doors. Always the right solution for many different applications – from private interior doors to heavily frequented final doors in administrative or industrial buildings. BKS mortise locks are particularly durable and low-maintenance, which is advantageous for high usage frequency. And of course, they comply with DIN 18250 and DIN 18251.