Bibliotheca Alexandrina An architectural design competition was organized by UNESCO in 1988 to choose a design worthy of the site and its heritage. The competition was won by Snøhetta, a Norwegian architectural office, associated with Austrian architect Christoph Kapeller and Egyptian architect Ihab El Habbak, from among more than 1,400 entries.Its vast circular form alongside the circular Alexandrian harbor recalls the cyclical nature of knowledge, fluid throughout time. It’s glistening, tilting roof recalls the ancient Alexandrian lighthouse and provides the city with a new symbol for learning and culture. As it descends into the earth and reaches upward to the sky the library manifests within its apparent movement a frozen moment in time. Its engineering principles are made to withstand all manner of environmental conditions. The foundation system is unique in the world and will withstand the forces of earth movement and water infiltration from the nearby Mediterranean.