The National Library of Israel, Jerusalem

The National Library of Israel, Architecture by Herzog and de Meuron in collaboration with Mann Shinar Architects.

Set next to the Knesset (Israel's Parliament, Government Compound and the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, the Library is a place of learning that brings people of all cultures together and designed to democratize knowledge. The design focus of the round reading room, "a sea of books", lit from above by the sky light. Inspired by ancient architecture, the unique exterior is designed as massive stone walls with small gaps to bring the light in.