Stunning Open Air Library in East Germany Wins the 2011 Brit Insurance Architecture Award

What began as an assemblage of 1,000 empty beer cartons pulled together by residents in East Germany has now evolved into an incredible open air public library. Designed by Karo Architekten in collaboration with local residents, the grassroots project revitalizes a post-industrial district in Magdeburg, Germany by creating a cultural center and pop-up library where books are free to take and leave 24 hours a day. The project introduces plenty of green space and reuses the facade of an old warehouse to beautiful effect. Opened two summers ago, we’re pleased to announce that the library has won Brit Insurance’s Architecture Award in their annual Design of the Year competition!

Source: Inhabitat