Tucked away within the Juridicum building, lies a treasure trove of legal wisdom the Bibliothek Rechtsphilosophie. This specialized library focuses on legal philosophy. It is an integral part of the University of Bonn’s Rechts- und Staatswissenschaftliche Fakultät. Its library code is 5/185.
The Bibliothek Rechtsphilosophie offers a quiet space for study and research. The library’s opening hours are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Arrangements can be made for visits outside these hours. You can find the Bibliothek Rechtsphilosophie on the ground floor of Lennéstr. 37. It shares space with the Lehrstuhl für Öffentliches Recht und Rechtsphilosophie. Check the Lehrstuhl’s website for any changes to the schedule.
The Bibliothek Rechtsphilosophie boasts a substantial collection. There are around 11800 books. The library also has 990 bound periodicals. 11 current journals are available. You can find a complete list of holdings in the bonnus search portal.
The Juridicum itself has quite the story. Construction began in 1957. Before the Juridicum, law studies took place in the University’s main building. Space was limited. Student numbers grew. More professors were hired. This caused a space shortage. So, the Juridicum was planned. The state’s building authority managed the project. Heinrich Raderschall designed the gardens. Building costs rose from 6.5 million DM to 18 million DM due to changes.
The Juridicum’s foundation stone was laid on October 11, 1963. The inscription reads “Justitia fundamentum regnorum!”. It translates to “Justice is the foundation of the realms”. The framework was done by April 8, 1965. The inauguration happened on November 21, 1967. Two more towers were planned. Building laws prevented their construction.
The Juridicum was designed to be a “representative building in green surroundings”. It gives the city a new look with the University and State Library built in 1960. Albert Wernicke tasked Wolfgang Himmel with planning. Himmel’s style reflected Erich Mendelsohn and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Raderschall designed the gardens.
Teaching and research are separate in the Juridicum. Teaching occurs in the Juridicum. Research happens in the adjacent towers. The courtyard shows the “style of the time”. The building avoids “false representation”. It is a means to an end the study itself. The architecture’s clarity encourages focused study.
The Juridicum’s facade is based on Victor Vasarely’s “Rèdu-Kèdu-C”. The mosaic allows rearranging each block. It symbolizes viewing situations from different angles. This links the Juridicum’s design to the legal mindset.
The University showed great taste building the Juridicum. The buildings balance carefully. They create architectural interest. The contrasting elements add character to the area. The Bibliothek Rechtsphilosophie plays a vital role. It supports legal research within this unique structure.