Rami Library wins IFLA Green Library Award for sustainable transformation

Istanbul’s Rami Library has won first place in the ‘Grand-Scale Project’ category at the 2026 Green Library Awards. The awards, organized by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), were announced during the IFLA World Library and Information Congress in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The award recognizes the transformation of the 19th-century Rami military barracks into a modern, climate-resilient public space. The project utilized adaptive reuse and conservation principles to preserve the historical architecture of the original 1826–1828 structure while integrating advanced sustainability features.

The library complex includes 36,000 square meters of indoor space with a seating capacity for 4,200 people. It features various specialized sections, including digital, youth, and adult libraries. Sustainability efforts include 51,000 square meters of green space, rainwater harvesting for irrigation, solar energy, and energy-efficient LED lighting systems.