Rami Library in Istanbul wins IFLA Green Library Award

The Rami Library in Istanbul has won first place in the ‘Large Scale Project’ category at the IFLA Green Library Awards 2026. The award, presented by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, recognizes the transformation of a 19th-century military barracks into a modern, climate-resilient public space.

Announced during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, South Korea, the project stood out among 62 entries from 27 countries. The facility features 36,000 square meters of indoor space and 51,000 square meters of landscaped green areas, including hundreds of trees and an ecological pond designed to enhance urban biodiversity.

Sustainability is integrated throughout the complex, which utilizes solar energy, LED lighting, and rainwater harvesting for irrigation and sanitation. The project emphasizes adaptive reuse, preserving the original historical architecture of the barracks built between 1826 and 1828 while providing modern amenities such as digital libraries and specialized departments.