https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1397 en-us ahmed-baba-institute-library.asp Wed, 16 Mar 2011 12:30:00 -0400 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7482-ahmed-baba-institute-library A microcity within a city, the Ahmed Baba Institute houses extensive resources for studying and preserving Timbuktu's famous manuscripts. The main entrance into the complex (center) aligns with the Sa Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali A microcity within a city, the Ahmed Baba Institute houses extensive resources for studying and preserving Timbuktu's famous manuscripts. The main entrance into the complex (center) aligns with the Sankor' mosque. The intricate screens of the library (upper left) face south and open onto the streets of Timbuktu, which are for the most part unpaved. Photo © Iwan Baan Circulation at the institute occurs along exterior spaces, to allow for informal gatherings and exchange. A sculpture garden, featuring a series of abstract pylons, is adjacent to the amphitheater. Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali Circulation at the institute occurs along exterior spaces, to allow for informal gatherings and exchange. A sculpture garden, featuring a series of abstract pylons, is adjacent to the amphitheater. Photo © Iwan Baan Students congregate in the courtyard, which is sheltered from sand drifts and cooled by the fountain. Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali Students congregate in the courtyard, which is sheltered from sand drifts and cooled by the fountain.Photo © Iwan Baan Staff offices overlook the airy spaces of the library, with suspended votive lamps characteristic of North African designs. The growing collection of contemporary books on the culture and history of t Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali Staff offices overlook the airy spaces of the library, with suspended votive lamps characteristic of North African designs. The growing collection of contemporary books on the culture and history of the region draws scholars and laypeople alike to the Institute. Photo © Iwan Baan From the conservation lab, a ramp slopes down to the underground exhibition room and archive space, where the manuscript collection is stored. Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali From the conservation lab, a ramp slopes down to the underground exhibition room and archive space, where the manuscript collection is stored.Photo © Iwan Baan Ahmed Baba Institute Library Ahmed Baba Institute Librarydhk ArchitectsTimbuktu, Mali Image courtesy dhk Architects