Exploring fascinating library spaces around the world
The image of a dusty old dark building, that is commonly associated with the word ‘library,’ needs to be replaced by the visualization of a space that exudes warmth, openness, abundant light, and extreme positivity alluring people to come and read.
Here we have curated and expressed our views on some fascinating library spaces that display innovative design strategies and insightful perspectives of viewing and experiencing a reading space.
Here we have curated and expressed our views on some fascinating library spaces that display innovative design strategies and insightful perspectives of viewing and experiencing a reading space.
1. Mariam’s Library – Mwanyany village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
A simplistic elegance can be seen in this white-walled library space designed by Kuwait-based architectural firm, Parallel Studio for the educational growth of the students of Zanzibar. Collaborating actively with the local community, the design team has made extensive use of clay bricks for the walls and fiber corrugated sheet over a timber frame for the roof, which resonates well with the traditional architecture of the region.
The space is segregated into two zones, a designated area for individual reading and studying, and another zone which is primarily an open space for group activities and community gatherings. The combined effect of using clay tiles and adding perforations to the wall helped in creating a cooler atmosphere inside the space. Two large circular windows double as a cozy reading nook for children, one of which is centrally located on a wall that hosts a large bookshelf with a collection of books.
The library proves to be an alluring space for the local school students, becoming an ideal platform for knowledge, education, and collaboration.
A simplistic elegance can be seen in this white-walled library space designed by Kuwait-based architectural firm, Parallel Studio for the educational growth of the students of Zanzibar. Collaborating actively with the local community, the design team has made extensive use of clay bricks for the walls and fiber corrugated sheet over a timber frame for the roof, which resonates well with the traditional architecture of the region.
The space is segregated into two zones, a designated area for individual reading and studying, and another zone which is primarily an open space for group activities and community gatherings. The combined effect of using clay tiles and adding perforations to the wall helped in creating a cooler atmosphere inside the space. Two large circular windows double as a cozy reading nook for children, one of which is centrally located on a wall that hosts a large bookshelf with a collection of books.
The library proves to be an alluring space for the local school students, becoming an ideal platform for knowledge, education, and collaboration.
2. Rural Library – Kochargaon, Nashik, India
A very grounded and rustic charm is exuded by this library and learning space, built on the existing plinth of an old Anganwadi in Nashik, by Maharashtra based architectural firm, PK Inception. Facing the main temple of the village and on a lower level from the main road, Rural Library is a tranquil space that includes a central courtyard with two reading rooms on either side, with a bookshelf between them. Envisioning a simple yet inviting space where children can learn, read, and collaborate, the design team took upon the challenge of designing a multifunctional, cost-effective, and low-budget library and learning center.
The space has expansive arches and high pitched roofs made of corrugated metal sheets. Steps guide visitors to an informal arched entrance where stacks of newspapers and magazines are available for elderly people to read freely. Further, the central courtyard becomes the platform of learning and knowledge-sharing, with a bookshelf accessible to everyone. Two large sliding shutters conceal the bookshelf when closed, and also are writable blackboards, which further helps in transforming the central space into an outdoor classroom for students and a night school for uneducated women of the community. The two reading rooms located on either side of the courtyard, become peaceful spaces for individual reading and studying – situated away from the hustle and noise of the main road.
Whether small or vast, when it comes to the spirit and passion of reading and learning, any ordinary space can be transformed into an elegant and enticing library with the help of a mindful design approach.
A very grounded and rustic charm is exuded by this library and learning space, built on the existing plinth of an old Anganwadi in Nashik, by Maharashtra based architectural firm, PK Inception. Facing the main temple of the village and on a lower level from the main road, Rural Library is a tranquil space that includes a central courtyard with two reading rooms on either side, with a bookshelf between them. Envisioning a simple yet inviting space where children can learn, read, and collaborate, the design team took upon the challenge of designing a multifunctional, cost-effective, and low-budget library and learning center.
The space has expansive arches and high pitched roofs made of corrugated metal sheets. Steps guide visitors to an informal arched entrance where stacks of newspapers and magazines are available for elderly people to read freely. Further, the central courtyard becomes the platform of learning and knowledge-sharing, with a bookshelf accessible to everyone. Two large sliding shutters conceal the bookshelf when closed, and also are writable blackboards, which further helps in transforming the central space into an outdoor classroom for students and a night school for uneducated women of the community. The two reading rooms located on either side of the courtyard, become peaceful spaces for individual reading and studying – situated away from the hustle and noise of the main road.
Whether small or vast, when it comes to the spirit and passion of reading and learning, any ordinary space can be transformed into an elegant and enticing library with the help of a mindful design approach.
3. Seashore Library – Qinhuangdao Shi, China (Vector Architects)
A library space that blends seamlessly with the sea, taking in the soft breeze and the gushing sounds of the waves, envelops visitors in ethereal serenity in Qinhuangdao Shi, China. The design team of Vector Architects envisioned and brought to life – a space that looks like an even weathered rock on the beach from the outside, but from the inside is a harmonious amalgamation of light, breeze, and the sound of the ocean, spiritually connecting each person with the sea. The space encompasses a reading area, a resting area, a drinking bar, a meditation space, and an activity room.
Piled up seating platforms in the reading area, raised at the back, offer uninterrupted views of the ocean through operable glass walls on the ground level and a large continuous glass window on the upper level – creating a space to sit and admire the scenic changes portrayed by the ocean, day by day from morning to night. The half-arched roof hosts an array of circular openings, having a diameter of 30 cm, which take in sunlight and brighten up the interiors of the reading area. The meditation space, right next to the reading area, is a dimly lit, enclosed, and private space, with the muffled sounds of the ocean filling the ears of the visitors. An outdoor platform separates the activity room from the reading space, in accordance with the amount of sound and action expected to occur. Light wells and other interventions ensure that the space is lit up by a uniform blend of warm and bright light rays.
The Seashore Library strikes as the ideal example of how a seamless amalgamation of the space with its surrounding context can heighten the sensorial experience and the overall feel and aura. Blending effortlessly with the ocean, the library offers a calm and soothing retreat for people to thoroughly enjoy their books while staying connected to the alluring charm of the ocean.
A library space that blends seamlessly with the sea, taking in the soft breeze and the gushing sounds of the waves, envelops visitors in ethereal serenity in Qinhuangdao Shi, China. The design team of Vector Architects envisioned and brought to life – a space that looks like an even weathered rock on the beach from the outside, but from the inside is a harmonious amalgamation of light, breeze, and the sound of the ocean, spiritually connecting each person with the sea. The space encompasses a reading area, a resting area, a drinking bar, a meditation space, and an activity room.
Piled up seating platforms in the reading area, raised at the back, offer uninterrupted views of the ocean through operable glass walls on the ground level and a large continuous glass window on the upper level – creating a space to sit and admire the scenic changes portrayed by the ocean, day by day from morning to night. The half-arched roof hosts an array of circular openings, having a diameter of 30 cm, which take in sunlight and brighten up the interiors of the reading area. The meditation space, right next to the reading area, is a dimly lit, enclosed, and private space, with the muffled sounds of the ocean filling the ears of the visitors. An outdoor platform separates the activity room from the reading space, in accordance with the amount of sound and action expected to occur. Light wells and other interventions ensure that the space is lit up by a uniform blend of warm and bright light rays.
The Seashore Library strikes as the ideal example of how a seamless amalgamation of the space with its surrounding context can heighten the sensorial experience and the overall feel and aura. Blending effortlessly with the ocean, the library offers a calm and soothing retreat for people to thoroughly enjoy their books while staying connected to the alluring charm of the ocean.
4. Deichman Library – Sentrum, Norway (Atelier Oslo, Lund Hagem)
Having won the international architecture competition held to design Oslo’s new main library, Lund Hagem and Atelier Oslo architects envisioned an intriguing building that portrays new facilities and adds a touch of modernity to the library. The structure has a unique countenance with the upper floors cantilevered out to avoid the creation of a high-rise tower. The first floor extends out in the east, whereas the fourth floor cantilevers out by about 20 meters above the urban plaza, creating a canopy for the entrance. The library welcomes visitors from three sides and the ground floor façade is essentially of transparent glass that helps in visually connecting the space with the city’s context. Light shafts propel abundant daylight, from three big skylights in the roof, into the different sections of the library.
Three free standing book towers become the focal point around which enclosed spaces and a variety of furniture is planned, keeping the facades free and open to absorb large magnitudes of daylight. The use of diffused glass in the interiors creates a soft and even distribution of light. Panoramic windows, in the corners of the building, offer scenic views of the city.
The interiors of the Deichman Library act as a vast open public space, with different activities and a variety of furniture offering varied zones for reading, exploring, and interacting. The unique façade effectively connect the visitors with the surroundings, further enhancing their reading and researching experience.
Having won the international architecture competition held to design Oslo’s new main library, Lund Hagem and Atelier Oslo architects envisioned an intriguing building that portrays new facilities and adds a touch of modernity to the library. The structure has a unique countenance with the upper floors cantilevered out to avoid the creation of a high-rise tower. The first floor extends out in the east, whereas the fourth floor cantilevers out by about 20 meters above the urban plaza, creating a canopy for the entrance. The library welcomes visitors from three sides and the ground floor façade is essentially of transparent glass that helps in visually connecting the space with the city’s context. Light shafts propel abundant daylight, from three big skylights in the roof, into the different sections of the library.
Three free standing book towers become the focal point around which enclosed spaces and a variety of furniture is planned, keeping the facades free and open to absorb large magnitudes of daylight. The use of diffused glass in the interiors creates a soft and even distribution of light. Panoramic windows, in the corners of the building, offer scenic views of the city.
The interiors of the Deichman Library act as a vast open public space, with different activities and a variety of furniture offering varied zones for reading, exploring, and interacting. The unique façade effectively connect the visitors with the surroundings, further enhancing their reading and researching experience.
5. Orillia Public Library – Orillia, Canada (Perkins & Will)
A refreshing new establishment in downtown Orillia, the Public Library is a synchronous blend of contemporary style and traditional ethnicity. A walk along the façade of the library, reveals a pattern of vertical bands of six gracefully intricate decorative motifs, permanently fused to the glass. Proudly displaying the history of the town, the ornate motif panels coalesce smoothly with the simplicity of Spanish terracotta tile, limestone, and concrete, which contextually bind the structure with the surrounding streetscape.
Revitalizing the lost historical grace of the town, the beautiful foliage patterns cast alluring shadows inside the library, as sunlight filters through them during the day. The crystalline portion of the panels adds a warm glow to the interiors at night.
Visitors of the Orillia Public Library are set to experience a vivid reading experience. With comfortable furniture by the glass façade, bookshelves with a diverse collection of stories, and a cup of coffee on the table, any person who visits this library will be engulfed in an enriching reading session, drenched in the soft shadows of the delicate foliage patterns.
A refreshing new establishment in downtown Orillia, the Public Library is a synchronous blend of contemporary style and traditional ethnicity. A walk along the façade of the library, reveals a pattern of vertical bands of six gracefully intricate decorative motifs, permanently fused to the glass. Proudly displaying the history of the town, the ornate motif panels coalesce smoothly with the simplicity of Spanish terracotta tile, limestone, and concrete, which contextually bind the structure with the surrounding streetscape.
Revitalizing the lost historical grace of the town, the beautiful foliage patterns cast alluring shadows inside the library, as sunlight filters through them during the day. The crystalline portion of the panels adds a warm glow to the interiors at night.
Visitors of the Orillia Public Library are set to experience a vivid reading experience. With comfortable furniture by the glass façade, bookshelves with a diverse collection of stories, and a cup of coffee on the table, any person who visits this library will be engulfed in an enriching reading session, drenched in the soft shadows of the delicate foliage patterns.
6. Sao Paulo School, Brazilian Library – MAB3 and Zenite Arquitetura & Construcao
A children’s library profusely inspired by trees and nature’s beauty has been designed by Brazilian architecture studio MAB3 along with Zenite Arquitetura and Construcao for a school in Sao Paulo. Housing a vast collection of books, the library displays curved bookshelves made of natural wood and divided by large, white ‘tree’ shaped columns. A conference room, an amphitheatre space, an elevated reading platform, and several cozy reading corners collectively form the alluring library that entices young kids to explore the world of stories.
The amphitheatre serves as an informal space for story-telling sessions, whereas a climbing area leads to a raised reading platform filled with cozy pillows and a cargo net that offers a relaxing yet adventurous hideaway spot for children to read in. The design’s essence revolves around creating a space that enhances playful reading and encourages collaborative learning among students. One corner of the library also hosts a classroom with curved tables under a large window.
Recessed lighting and a fibre optic ceiling installation create the illusion of a starry night further attracting the attention of young children. The exterior wall hosts a flow of wave-shaped bookshelves with a row of windows above them, which visually connect the space with the beautiful greenery of the outside courtyard.
The library’s clean, cozy, and playful design captures the attention of young children, creating a safe and calm space for them to read, learn, interact, and grow together. The power of creating simple yet alluring designs leads to spaces that can enhance the sensorial experience of young children who are eager to learn.
A children’s library profusely inspired by trees and nature’s beauty has been designed by Brazilian architecture studio MAB3 along with Zenite Arquitetura and Construcao for a school in Sao Paulo. Housing a vast collection of books, the library displays curved bookshelves made of natural wood and divided by large, white ‘tree’ shaped columns. A conference room, an amphitheatre space, an elevated reading platform, and several cozy reading corners collectively form the alluring library that entices young kids to explore the world of stories.
The amphitheatre serves as an informal space for story-telling sessions, whereas a climbing area leads to a raised reading platform filled with cozy pillows and a cargo net that offers a relaxing yet adventurous hideaway spot for children to read in. The design’s essence revolves around creating a space that enhances playful reading and encourages collaborative learning among students. One corner of the library also hosts a classroom with curved tables under a large window.
Recessed lighting and a fibre optic ceiling installation create the illusion of a starry night further attracting the attention of young children. The exterior wall hosts a flow of wave-shaped bookshelves with a row of windows above them, which visually connect the space with the beautiful greenery of the outside courtyard.
The library’s clean, cozy, and playful design captures the attention of young children, creating a safe and calm space for them to read, learn, interact, and grow together. The power of creating simple yet alluring designs leads to spaces that can enhance the sensorial experience of young children who are eager to learn.
7. L’echappee Library, Herblay sur Seine, France – Atelier WOA
The French word ‘L’echappee’ translates to “Escapade” in English – the essence of the library’s design and visualization. The design team of Atelier WOA, an architectural firm known for indulging deeply in timber construction with a passion to explore how different designs can be brought about in wood, took up the task of creating a warm and welcoming space as opposed to the “institutional and cold” public buildings.
The center of the building is essentially the library space which further rises upwards and leads to a two-storey commercial block to the east and an auditorium to the west. Towards the north, the structure’s stone and glass façade faces the road, whereas towards the south, a large field opens up in front of a large wooden colonnade. A white aluminium screen, with small angular perforations, wraps the top of the building, to protect the library from the harsh summer sun.
A completely open floor space makes up the reading area of the library, with different zones separated only by curtains, screens, and bookshelves, to maximize flexibility of the space and encourage the concept of ‘open invitation to all.’ A covered walkway with sheltered seating spaces overlooks a scenic field at the back of the reading areas – becoming an informal space for reading and relaxing.
The library space becomes a comforting “Escapade” from the monotony of the city, with the simplistic amalgamation of wood and stone elegantly blending the structure with its environment.
The French word ‘L’echappee’ translates to “Escapade” in English – the essence of the library’s design and visualization. The design team of Atelier WOA, an architectural firm known for indulging deeply in timber construction with a passion to explore how different designs can be brought about in wood, took up the task of creating a warm and welcoming space as opposed to the “institutional and cold” public buildings.
The center of the building is essentially the library space which further rises upwards and leads to a two-storey commercial block to the east and an auditorium to the west. Towards the north, the structure’s stone and glass façade faces the road, whereas towards the south, a large field opens up in front of a large wooden colonnade. A white aluminium screen, with small angular perforations, wraps the top of the building, to protect the library from the harsh summer sun.
A completely open floor space makes up the reading area of the library, with different zones separated only by curtains, screens, and bookshelves, to maximize flexibility of the space and encourage the concept of ‘open invitation to all.’ A covered walkway with sheltered seating spaces overlooks a scenic field at the back of the reading areas – becoming an informal space for reading and relaxing.
The library space becomes a comforting “Escapade” from the monotony of the city, with the simplistic amalgamation of wood and stone elegantly blending the structure with its environment.
8. An Angular Library at Xiuwu, China – Atelier Xi
Envisioning to resemble a ‘miniature village,’ fiver interconnected, angular volumes are designed by Chinese architecture studio Atelier Xi on an ice-chrysanthemum plantation in China. Resembling the petals of a chrysanthemum flower and the form of the local village houses, the design team distributed the functions of the structure in five angular modules to avoid the creation of a single tall building in a flowering landscape.
Interconnected internally with each other, and having separate external entries, the five units have their own distinct function and open up to different parts of the field through expansive façade openings, that capture and infuse daylight in the interiors and also offer vivid views of the landscape. A reading room, a tea-tasting room, a lounge, and a music room are organized around a central lobby space, with the interiors of these spaces portraying concrete flooring, curved walls lined with wood, and sweeping ceilings.
During day time, the white gable walls emulate the feel of a northern village settlement, whereas when night falls, the sharp silhouette of the structure blends with the darkness and the focus shifts on the warm glow of the interiors. Bookshelves are aligned along the curved wall and seating spaces offering expansive views of the beautiful field prove to be a calming reading spot.
The design of this angular library, situated amidst a flowering landscape field, speaks volumes of how structures can blend beautifully with their context whilst creating warm and silent spaces for delving deep into a book.
Envisioning to resemble a ‘miniature village,’ fiver interconnected, angular volumes are designed by Chinese architecture studio Atelier Xi on an ice-chrysanthemum plantation in China. Resembling the petals of a chrysanthemum flower and the form of the local village houses, the design team distributed the functions of the structure in five angular modules to avoid the creation of a single tall building in a flowering landscape.
Interconnected internally with each other, and having separate external entries, the five units have their own distinct function and open up to different parts of the field through expansive façade openings, that capture and infuse daylight in the interiors and also offer vivid views of the landscape. A reading room, a tea-tasting room, a lounge, and a music room are organized around a central lobby space, with the interiors of these spaces portraying concrete flooring, curved walls lined with wood, and sweeping ceilings.
During day time, the white gable walls emulate the feel of a northern village settlement, whereas when night falls, the sharp silhouette of the structure blends with the darkness and the focus shifts on the warm glow of the interiors. Bookshelves are aligned along the curved wall and seating spaces offering expansive views of the beautiful field prove to be a calming reading spot.
The design of this angular library, situated amidst a flowering landscape field, speaks volumes of how structures can blend beautifully with their context whilst creating warm and silent spaces for delving deep into a book.
9. Secondary School Library, Panyaden International School, Chiang Mai, Thailand - Chiangmai Life Architects
A structure that exudes the feeling of belonging, warmth, and simplistic elegance – can be a truthful statement to describe the Panyaden Secondary School Library in Chiang Mai, Thailand designed by Chiangmai Life Architects. Earthen adobe walls and bamboo trusses, roof frames, and arches mold this library space meant for focused study sessions as well as relaxed reading. The design is built on concentric circles, with the roof of the structure primarily a two-tiered framework of bamboos with an oculus skylight at the centre on top, naturally lightening up the space and bringing in fresh air. At the centre is a sunken pod, with raised seating around forming an amphitheatre space, with cushions and bean bags, for group discussions and relaxed reading sessions. The library space houses a bamboo archway containing the main bookshelf, built-in working tables, a small office for the librarian, and two noise-insulated study rooms.
The approach of opting for traditional and natural construction material, along with the incorporation of central cooling system and filtered air mechanism to keep the indoor air fresh, makes this library space a stunning example of how mindful planning can lead to functional, aesthetical, and elegant spaces that can significantly enhance the reading and studying habits of young students.
A structure that exudes the feeling of belonging, warmth, and simplistic elegance – can be a truthful statement to describe the Panyaden Secondary School Library in Chiang Mai, Thailand designed by Chiangmai Life Architects. Earthen adobe walls and bamboo trusses, roof frames, and arches mold this library space meant for focused study sessions as well as relaxed reading. The design is built on concentric circles, with the roof of the structure primarily a two-tiered framework of bamboos with an oculus skylight at the centre on top, naturally lightening up the space and bringing in fresh air. At the centre is a sunken pod, with raised seating around forming an amphitheatre space, with cushions and bean bags, for group discussions and relaxed reading sessions. The library space houses a bamboo archway containing the main bookshelf, built-in working tables, a small office for the librarian, and two noise-insulated study rooms.
The approach of opting for traditional and natural construction material, along with the incorporation of central cooling system and filtered air mechanism to keep the indoor air fresh, makes this library space a stunning example of how mindful planning can lead to functional, aesthetical, and elegant spaces that can significantly enhance the reading and studying habits of young students.
10. Asante Public Library, City of Surprise, Arizona - Richard Kennedy Architects
The context of this library space is quite interesting – the Asante Public Library is situated amidst a 12-acre park in Arizona. Aligning with the context, the design team at Richard Kennedy Architects envisioned a space that could effortlessly emulate the effect of reading under a desert tree. The key feature of the design, that aims to encapsulate this feeling, is the vertical canopy of white powder-coated metal C-channels that envelope the eastern, western, and southern elevations of the library. As the day starts and progresses further, the sun’s rays filter through these channels, casting beautiful effects of light and shadow on the library underneath – something similar to how a person would feel while reading under a tree in the desert.
The open reading room and glazed study spaces take in expansive views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape, while an outdoor plaza and a multi-use gathering space are aligned along the north edge. The incorporation of raised access flooring and flexible furnishings has opened the space to dynamic reconfigurations aligning with the changing needs of the community.
Asante Public Library is a vivid example of how architecture, sustainability, light, shadow, and the natural beauty of the Arizona landscape can coalesce together to form a shaded sanctuary of books waiting to be perused in a peaceful and positive atmosphere.
The context of this library space is quite interesting – the Asante Public Library is situated amidst a 12-acre park in Arizona. Aligning with the context, the design team at Richard Kennedy Architects envisioned a space that could effortlessly emulate the effect of reading under a desert tree. The key feature of the design, that aims to encapsulate this feeling, is the vertical canopy of white powder-coated metal C-channels that envelope the eastern, western, and southern elevations of the library. As the day starts and progresses further, the sun’s rays filter through these channels, casting beautiful effects of light and shadow on the library underneath – something similar to how a person would feel while reading under a tree in the desert.
The open reading room and glazed study spaces take in expansive views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape, while an outdoor plaza and a multi-use gathering space are aligned along the north edge. The incorporation of raised access flooring and flexible furnishings has opened the space to dynamic reconfigurations aligning with the changing needs of the community.
Asante Public Library is a vivid example of how architecture, sustainability, light, shadow, and the natural beauty of the Arizona landscape can coalesce together to form a shaded sanctuary of books waiting to be perused in a peaceful and positive atmosphere.