Book, Coffee, and a Cozy Corner - The blissful elegance of Library Cafes
Date Published: 20 February 2025
Authored by: Ar. Sharvari Punde
Authored by: Ar. Sharvari Punde
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In a world full of digital screens and addictive social media applications, the idea of indulging in the soothing silence of a library, with a book and a cup of coffee, floods our minds with serenity and peace. Having a deep-rooted passion for reading, as adults, we are practically infatuated with books, and as architects at Atelier ARBO, we welcome opportunities to design serene library spaces. Being avid readers ourselves, we understand the depth of positivity that a library space exudes, offering a blissful getaway from the monotony of daily routine. The one thing that can further enhance the experience of reading a book, in a quiet, cozy corner of a library, is having a hot cup of coffee in our hand. And thus, combining the delightful quietude of a library with the enticing aroma of coffee brewing in a café can create a mesmerizing space.
Over the years, older libraries have had an image of cold, dark, and dusty spaces, while the newer libraries lack a certain aesthetical appeal to entice patrons. As architects, we feel that a fresh perspective of designing reading spaces can be explored, wherein the inclusion of large windows, cozy corners amidst nature, and small in-house cafes can further enrich the sensorial experience. Many of us think about taking up reading, but often the confusion of which book to start with or the absence of a companion having the same interest, discourages us from exploring the world of books. In such situations, these boutique library cafes become a desirable solution - a common platform for book lovers to meet, interact, and share ideas. |
During our recent visit to Bangalore, we came across a small, quaint bookstore, called the ‘Champaca Bookstore.’ It was a space brimming with positivity and peace. A modest collection of books was displayed on open shelves, with handwritten notes segregating the different genres. Large windows were filling the space with natural light and cool breeze. A small corner of the store had a simple yet cozy seating space adorned by indoor hanging plantations and white curtains. A separate small room catered to the preparation of hot coffee for the visitors. Coincidentally, we encountered a book launch session the moment we entered, which made us realize how these cozy bookstores can become a platform for budding writers to share their work with the community.
A library does not typically have to be a vast space with several stacked rows of bookshelves. A modest collection of around 5000 to 6000 books, a comfortable seating space for approximately 12 to 15 people, and a small corner for brewing coffee can be more than enough to create an inviting and warm reading space that feels like home. Starting from this benchmark, library spaces can be as expansive as multi-storey entities offering a lavish collection of books, research arenas, and dining zones. Bookstores, like Crossword (a well-known bookstore franchise in India), come to mind, where a vast collection of books is displayed, segregated into different genres, allowing visitors to explore and purchase various titles. Although these bookstores offer a plethora of books, one can feel the lack of personalized corners and pause points that every reader seeks to peacefully enjoy the process of reading a book.
A walk along certain streets of Japan brings us across an array of rustic bookstores that exude an antique charm. A specific area in Tokyo, known as Kanda-Jinbocho, hosts more than 100 stores becoming the world’s largest used bookstore district. A wave of delightful peace washes over us as we proceed to explore the intriguing book collection that this area has to offer. The warm personalities of the bookstore owners guide us in this myriad of classic books.
Another country that wholeheartedly explores the concept of book streets is Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a vibrant 100 metre long street lined up with quaint little bookstores and coffee shops. A bright blue entrance frame with an abstract sculpture of a person reading a book entices patrons, even non-readers, to come and explore the intriguing titles and literary works. Many other areas in Vietnam also have these picturesque book streets that celebrate the love for reading. The idea of exploring books along streets, with ease and freedom, certainly has a pleasant appeal to our minds.
When it comes to reading books, the most significant factor becomes the ambience and feel of the space. If every design detail of the space is adding to the warmth of its aura, then the moment a person walks in, he is enveloped by positive vibrations and a wave of mental peace that his mind was eagerly seeking. Right from the colour of the walls and the material palette of the furniture, to the shades and hues of the soft décor elements, each design decision plays an important role in adding a personal feel to the space.
These thoughts and minute nuances were the foundation of our design process, when we were creating a warm and welcoming library space for the little ones of a Montessori School in Bangalore, India. Our key focus was on creating a space that would nudge these young children to enter and explore the magical world of stories.
A library does not typically have to be a vast space with several stacked rows of bookshelves. A modest collection of around 5000 to 6000 books, a comfortable seating space for approximately 12 to 15 people, and a small corner for brewing coffee can be more than enough to create an inviting and warm reading space that feels like home. Starting from this benchmark, library spaces can be as expansive as multi-storey entities offering a lavish collection of books, research arenas, and dining zones. Bookstores, like Crossword (a well-known bookstore franchise in India), come to mind, where a vast collection of books is displayed, segregated into different genres, allowing visitors to explore and purchase various titles. Although these bookstores offer a plethora of books, one can feel the lack of personalized corners and pause points that every reader seeks to peacefully enjoy the process of reading a book.
A walk along certain streets of Japan brings us across an array of rustic bookstores that exude an antique charm. A specific area in Tokyo, known as Kanda-Jinbocho, hosts more than 100 stores becoming the world’s largest used bookstore district. A wave of delightful peace washes over us as we proceed to explore the intriguing book collection that this area has to offer. The warm personalities of the bookstore owners guide us in this myriad of classic books.
Another country that wholeheartedly explores the concept of book streets is Vietnam. The Ho Chi Minh City Book Street is a vibrant 100 metre long street lined up with quaint little bookstores and coffee shops. A bright blue entrance frame with an abstract sculpture of a person reading a book entices patrons, even non-readers, to come and explore the intriguing titles and literary works. Many other areas in Vietnam also have these picturesque book streets that celebrate the love for reading. The idea of exploring books along streets, with ease and freedom, certainly has a pleasant appeal to our minds.
When it comes to reading books, the most significant factor becomes the ambience and feel of the space. If every design detail of the space is adding to the warmth of its aura, then the moment a person walks in, he is enveloped by positive vibrations and a wave of mental peace that his mind was eagerly seeking. Right from the colour of the walls and the material palette of the furniture, to the shades and hues of the soft décor elements, each design decision plays an important role in adding a personal feel to the space.
These thoughts and minute nuances were the foundation of our design process, when we were creating a warm and welcoming library space for the little ones of a Montessori School in Bangalore, India. Our key focus was on creating a space that would nudge these young children to enter and explore the magical world of stories.
The influence of technology is taking over rapidly, with today’s young children intensely reliant on constant exposure to digital media. Considering this, the significance of creating warm reading spaces that can encourage children to pick up a book and read has effectively risen. As designers, we feel that a conscious creation of cozy children's libraries can inspire young kids to focus more on the tried and tested knowledge of books.
In our professional journey, we were fortunate to get an opportunity to design an elegant children and adult library in Bandra, Mumbai, called the ‘Mcubed Library.’ Offering a silent and peaceful environment to young children, this space encourages them to read, study, and conduct research in an ambient and comfortable environment.
Designing libraries is a wonderful and rewarding journey for us, as these spaces evoke a sense of belonging, bliss, and peace for every person eager to delve into the world of books. Right from young kids to senior citizens, libraries become a desirable sanctuary of tranquility, where words come alive in the minds of readers. The next time you find yourself lost or low in life, consider entering a cozy, little library, pick up a random book that captures your attention, and let its magic take over you while you sip a hot cup of coffee.
In our professional journey, we were fortunate to get an opportunity to design an elegant children and adult library in Bandra, Mumbai, called the ‘Mcubed Library.’ Offering a silent and peaceful environment to young children, this space encourages them to read, study, and conduct research in an ambient and comfortable environment.
Designing libraries is a wonderful and rewarding journey for us, as these spaces evoke a sense of belonging, bliss, and peace for every person eager to delve into the world of books. Right from young kids to senior citizens, libraries become a desirable sanctuary of tranquility, where words come alive in the minds of readers. The next time you find yourself lost or low in life, consider entering a cozy, little library, pick up a random book that captures your attention, and let its magic take over you while you sip a hot cup of coffee.