In an era marked by resource scarcity and shifting typologies of public institutions, the traditional library faces significant challenges to its relevance. As digitalization redefines information access, physical libraries risk becoming obsolete, losing their place as community knowledge hubs. The global materials landscape is experiencing scarcity, with critical resources under pressure from unsustainable consumption. These trends underscore an urgent need to reconsider how we use materials, emphasizing sustainable and innovative approaches.

Material Vault addresses these challenges by reimagining the library as a dynamic place, not only where knowledge of materials is stored - but also created. This reimagined library typology bridges the gap between specialized knowledge and community accessibility, positioning itself as a central resource for sustainable innovation in the energy-transition-centered EUREF Campus in Berlin, Germany. The new library of materials becomes a transparent material-testing machine with laboratories, workshops, offices, conference hall and a material showroom - the crown of the building. The vertical mass timber-high rise nested within an existing gasholder contributes to the conversation on material choices for the future building stock.

Bulgarian women were one of the first to pursue higher education of architecture in Europe when it became possible in the beginning of the 20th century, starting with Elena Markova (1894-1970) in Berlin, graduating in 1917. Women architects make a key contribution to Bulgarian modernism during the interwar period, while establishing partnerships not only with other male architects, but also with other women architects, yet their deeds are deeply overlooked. This is the case of Victoria Angelova-Vinarova and Mara Zaharieva, and their impressive Raduntsi Sanatorium, the largest sanatorium built in the Balkans at that time. Victoria Angelova-Vinarova graduated from Dresden. In 1926, at the age of twenty-five, she won a competition for the design of the new building for the Ministry of Public buildings, roads, and public works, marking her breakthrough in the industry. In 1939, together with Mara Zaharieva, they won a competition for the design of the colossal sanatorium in Raduntsi village. This architectural history thesis sheds light on the life and career of Bulgarian women architects in the interwar period, while focusing on the Raduntsi sanatorium case as an extremely singular architectural heritage that has not yet been protected. The aim of the research is to document the significance of women-led projects to break the historical depreciation of women’s work in technology and engineering professions.