Urban-Loritz Bucharei (municipal library) sits on Vienna’s “Gürtel”, a major roadway running along the outer ring of the city. Designed by architect Ernst Mayr, the modern structure blends in effortlessly with its surroundings—connecting the Burggasse subway, the gürtel bike lanes and Urban Loritz plaza.

The building pierces the skyline of the otherwise drab Gürtel setting, filled with traffic, red light bars and graying buildings. Mayr designed a “staircase” leading from the subway to the top of the library, one that would act as a “casual urban meeting point.” On nice days, people convene around the staircase to catch some rays and watch the pretty foot traffic saunter by.

The library’s two levels house over 240,000 books, 60,000 AV-media, newspapers and magazines. Large windows provide a scenic view of the surrounding neighborhood.