Logo of the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, (Aga Khan Development Network)
home icon
How We WorkOur AgenciesAga Khan Trust for CultureAga Khan Award for ArchitectureAKAA Project Finder
Located in the Eyüpsultan district, the Rami Library took up quarters in the former Rami Barracks, a large military single-storey structure with high volumes, built in the 18th century.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

To enhance sound quality, particularly in study areas, acoustic panels and sound-absorbing treatments have been applied.

To enhance sound quality, particularly in study areas, acoustic panels and sound-absorbing treatments have been applied.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

The restoration was carried out using the original construction techniques, with stone similar to that of the original walls.

The restoration was carried out using the original construction techniques, with stone similar to that of the original
walls.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

One of the reading rooms features a large brick bread oven that is preserved in its original condition.

One of the reading rooms features a large brick bread oven that is preserved in its original condition.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

The library offers both quiet study spaces and areas for social interaction. A 1.4 km corridor connects these different spaces, and features amphitheatre-like seating that encourage informal gatherings.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

New elements, such as floors and ceilings, were introduced in a self-supporting way, avoiding any physical alteration to the historic structure.

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

Interior view of one of the reading rooms. A minimal intervention approach was chosen to preserve the original spatial qualities of the structure while accommodating new library functions. 

Aga Khan Trust for Culture / Cemal Emden

Architectural drawing: site plan.

Architectural drawing: site plan.

Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy

Email

Rami Library

Award Cycle: 2023-2025 Cycle

Status: Shortlisted

Country of origin: Türkiye

Location: Istanbul, Türkiye

Client: Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye, Ankara

Architect: Han Tümertekin Design & Consultancy

Completed: 2023

Images

The project aims at integrating ancient knowledge and modern research in a 'living library' that is open to visitors of all ages, providing a space for intergenerational learning. Originally constructed as Rami Barracks in the 18th century, the single-storey building complex, which is square in shape and organised around a central courtyard, is restored and adapted to reuse, adding contemporary research facilities to the historical structure.


Aimed at preserving the original spatial qualities of the structure, a minimal intervention approach was followed. The project involved removing additions to the buildings accumulated over time and allocating spaces for new functions such as manuscript sections, children's and adult libraries, and reading rooms. A five-metre-wide and 1.4-kilometre-long corridor connects the different sections, with one part of it designed as an amphitheatre-like seating area to encourage informal gatherings. Additionally, mezzanine floors, structurally integrated with the carriers of the bookshelves, were added to accommodate new functions. The restoration also included the reconstruction of damaged sections using authentic materials and techniques. Sustainable elements of the design include waste management and energy efficiency systems.


TürkiyeAga Khan Trust for CultureArchitecture
home icon
How We WorkOur AgenciesAga Khan Trust for CultureAga Khan Award for ArchitectureAKAA Project Finder
languageSwitcherThis page is also available in