The Rami Barrack in Istanbul, built between 1826 and 1828, reopened its gates as librarianor, one of the most «green» of Europe.
The library opened after extensive restoration and renovation work, during the transformation of the building, and the working group adopted a maintenance and adjustment approach keeping the building's historical identity and authentic materials intact.
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Biodiversity and environmental sustainability
With residential areas of 36,000 m2 area and a capacity of 4,200 places, the Rami Library hosts digital books, sections of young people and adults, as well as various other specialized libraries that ensure with their diversity a modern experience for visitors of all ages.
Rami Library recently gained distinction in category «Large-scale project» (Grand-Scale Project) of the Green Libraries Awards for 2026, organized by the International Federation of Libraries and Institutions (IFLA).
The library was awarded the award for the work of transforming the 19th century historic barracks into an urban communal space resistant to climate change.
A biological small pond with reeds
The library places environmental sustainability at the heart of its design. It has a shaped area of 51,000 m2 comprising 696 trees, 99,000 bushes, a biological small lake and reeds.
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These spaces support the urban biodiversity and contribute to improving the local microclimate.
Rainwater collected from the extensive surfaces of the roof of the building is reused for watering green spaces and toilets.
At the same time, the library aims to reduce energy consumption through low consumption equipment, LED lighting, sensor systems and solar energy applications.
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In addition, source waste is sorted, separate management of hazardous waste, limitation of disposable plastics, and digitisation of internal operating procedures.
The library operates daily on a 24-hour basis
Through its cultural programs and inclusive services to the community, the library responds to the cultural, educational and artistic needs of society, making the concept of a «live library».
This approach reflects sustainability through initiatives promoting climate grammar, such as environmental information services, training seminars and practical workshops. In addition, the Library's Accessible Resources Center enhances access to its services for users of all ages and with diverse needs.
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The Library operates daily on a 24-hour basis. Thanks to all these multidimensional sustainability initiatives, the library became the first library to receive «Certification of a Sustainable Biosphere Museum», as it simultaneously holds the «Zero Waste Certificate» and «Green Energy Certificate».
The first library to receive the «Certification of a Sustainable Biosphere Museum»
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