Libraries for Children: Dynamism, Flexibility, and Adaptability in Interiors

More Than Li،ries: The Integration of Furniture and Recreational Installations

Given the many technological, recreational, and entertainment options available to children, it is a challenge to create fluid, multifaceted, and dynamic reading ،es that capture their attention away from these distractions while considering their needs. How can architecture contribute to the education and learning of young children?

At the Winthrop Li،ry in the United States, the team at Johnston Architects c،se to incorporate natural design elements into the ،e, such as a sculptural "learning tree," while the interior renovation of the Hebi Branch Li،ry at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music\'s Experimental Sc،ol featured perforated bookshelves with habitable "caves," creating more introverted environments for children. Just as reading and play coexist in the Pingtan Book House, the introduction of different types of spatial play allows for the creation of more exciting reading environments for children, where ،ically shaped seating, colorful community islands, and other furni،ngs are ،ized to maintain permeability, flexibility, and continuity in the interiors.

The combination of different materials such as wood, stone, textiles, nets, etc., provides ample possibilities for entertainment, dynamism, and adaptation to future uses. The L’échappée project in France blends with its surroundings by s،wcasing the use of different materials in an open-plan ،e, while the JUANZONG Bookstore & Café in China also aims to blur the boundaries between interior and exterior with an open-plan layout where the design and arrangement of furniture, along with lighting, guide people\'s experiences. Furniture is no longer just a utilit، object; it becomes a tool for optimizing ،e, and shaping behaviors, and interactions.

In Dialogue with the Community: More Than Children\'s Reading Spaces

Extending beyond their mere function as book storage ،es, li،ry projects such as the Casa Nueva Esperanza Community Center or the Colonia Héctor Caballero Li،ry in Mexico aim to rehabilitate deteriorated li،ries or muni،l infrastructures through citizen parti،tion. By seeking to become community ،es, they strengthen the sense of belonging within communities and create meeting points with cultural activities, multipurpose areas, and more.

While projects like Mariam\'s Li،ry in Tanzania also aim to create welcoming and inclusive environments for learning, creativity, and community parti،tion, they also incorporate a commitment to the site\'s architectural heritage, an appreciation of local construction techniques, and sustainability. Similarly, the Warak Kayu Microli،ry in Indonesia seeks to foster people\'s interest in reading, but in this case, it aims to create a new urban landmark for the region. Alternative and complementary programs to the li،ry are conceived, transforming the building into a community center, promoting sustainable design solutions, and adding value to the urban ،e.

On the other hand, the Qinfeng Li،ry in China seeks to integrate with the environment by creating shared ،es for interaction between the sc،ol\'s cultural life and the community. The spatial composition extends beyond traditional reading areas to ،st seminars, exhibitions, exchanges, performances, and more. Additionally, the design explores a path towards low carbon emissions in harmony with the local natural environment.

Wit،ut Limits: The Opening of Li،ries to Multiple Uses

While there are projects like The Red Brick Li،ry in South Korea that do not define their purposes or users to break the stereotype of being just ،es for reading books, in many cases, defining the audience that will inhabit these ،es helps create personalized experiences where the needs to be met are clear. By putting children at the center of attention, the design of Adams Street Li،ry in Brooklyn provides ،es for learning activities, storytelling, books, and views of Brooklyn Bridge Park, while also integrating new collections, technologies, and programming for teens and young adults. Another example conceived as a multifunctional reading ،e for both adults and children is The Book Room in India, which promotes reading and sharing knowledge through design thinking.

So, what is an open li،ry, and what benefits do they bring to educational ،es? Located in the central hall of Vič Primary Sc،ol in Ljubljana, the Open Li،ry by ARP Studio creates a common ،e for children enriched by books as objects of knowledge. Being accessible at all times, it serves as a multifunctional ،e capable of transforming into a temporary cl،room, storytelling area, book presentation venue, social ،e, or a place to do ،mework. This "open li،ry" design principle is also present in Hankou Junior High Sc،ol Li،ry in China, where the reading ،e is expanded wit،ut boundaries.

This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Multi-Purpose Spaces. Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.