The Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Facts & Figures)

The site

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is located on a magnificent site in the Eastern Harbor, facing the sea on the north, and Alexandria University Complex on its southern side.

It overlooks the Silsilah Peninsula. It is very close to the location of the Ancient Library in the Brucheion (the Ancient Royal Quarter), as verified by the 1993 archeological survey.

Facts & Figures

Total floors: 11
Total floor areas: 85,405 m2
Building Height: 33 m
Universal Library: 36,770 m2
Cultural Activities: 4210 m2
Technical Services and Operational Support: 10,860 m2
International School of Information Studies (ISIS): 3500 m2
Conference Center, Ancillary Services, and other areas: 30,840 m2
Books: 200,000 at inauguration / up to 8 million ultimately.
Periodicals: 1500 / 4000
Audio-Visual and Multimedia Materials: 10,000 / 50,000
Manuscripts and Rare Books: 10,000 / 50,000
Maps: 50,000
Computer Data Bases: OPAC, Internet access to the information superhighways.

Library Components

The library of Alexandria complex includes: the Main Library, Young Peoples' Library, Library for the Blind, Planetarium, Science Museum, Calligraphy Museum, Alexandria Archeological Museum, International School of Information Studies (ISIS), Conservation and Restoration Laboratory, Conference Center of Alexandria and Ancillary Services, Multipurpose Rooms and Exhibitions areas.
These can be changed or augmented as needs evolve.

Construction Phases

Phase #1:
(TP1: Foundations and Geotechnical Engineering)
Contractors: Radio/Trevi (Italy) / Arab Contractor (Egypt).
The construction work began on 15/5/1995 and was completed on 31/12/1996, at the cost of US$ 59 million.
The construction work involved the most advanced technology. The largest circular reinforced Diaphragm Wall in the world, 160m diameter, was a major engineering achievement, along with more than 600 bored bell-bottom piles.

Phase #2:
(TP2/3: Structures, Services, Fit-Out and External Works)
Contractors: Balfour Beatty (UK) / Arab Contractors (Egypt).
The work began on 27/12/1996, at the cost of US$ 117 million.
Architects/ Engineers (Consultant to the BA): Snohetta a.s. (Norway) / Hamza Associates (Egypt).