The Library is situated on the edge of the Ilmpark, a UNESCO world heritage site. The design of a new extension building and underground book storage facility required a very sensitive integration into this historic context. 
An abrupt balcony-like edge forms the transition to the park and allows views from the town towards the river. The imposition of the edge on the park is minimised through careful earth-modelling.
The Anna Amalia Library extension was awarded the Thuringian Architectural Prize in 2005 and the Thuringian Prize for the Promotion of Building Culture in 2006.