What are the design considerations for a Public Library?
The key to a successful public library is meeting the needs of the whole community. No other type of library is expected to serve such a diverse age range and variety of patrons.
Luckily for architects and librarians involved in the challenge of designing public libraries there are plenty of great resources available to help with the process. One of the clearest is this Checklist for New Library Buildings compiled by the State Library of Queensland. It lists in brief the steps that are needed for a successful renovation or rebuild of a public library. A more comprehensive resource is provided by the State Library of New South Wales in it's guide to planning public libraries, People Places. This guide for library stakeholders discusses both the design and the process required for a successful library project. Looking overseas, Designing Libraries in the UK links to a huge variety of resources covering a diverse range of design issues. It also features a gallery allowing you to see what other libraries have done for their communities and a database of recent library projects in the UK. In the US, the Whole Building Design Guide offers clear information on the technical requirements for a public library. Planning and Building Libraries, a Canadian site, offers links to useful architectural and design resources.
What are public libraries around the world doing with their architecture and use of space to engage with communities?
To engage with communities it is important to provide a vibrant and exciting design which people can enjoy. When trying to meet the needs of everyone it is all too easy to create a design which is bland and unlikable. Here are three libraries that have avoided bland design whilst creating versatile spaces for their communities to use.
All images are taken from: Crosbie, Michael J 2003, Architecture for the books, The Images Publishing Group, Mulgrave, Vic.
Eltham Public Library – Eltham, Victoria
Gregory Burgess Architects
Gregory Burgess Architects
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| Eltham Public Library, a birds eye view. |
With it’s unique curved timber ceilings and earthy mud brick walls the Eltham Public Library is a far cry from the smooth angular modernism of most Australian libraries. In keeping with it’s sustainable theme the library has been carefully planned and built to avoid disturbing the large trees that already existed on the site. Community art galleries and meeting spaces are integrated into the design along with the shelves and reading spaces expected of a public library. A recent extension by the original architects has expanded this much loved building.
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| Natural light washes curved wood ceilings. |
Robertson Branch Library – Los Angeles, California
Steven Ehrlich Architects
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| Robertson Branch Library, dramatic lighting enhances the library's presence. |
A bold, copper clad ‘ships hull’ provides a striking architectural focus for this small branch library in Los Angeles. Within the building, this pre-weathered copper feature houses a light filled stairwell which draws patrons up into the library from street level. A portal window builds on the nautical theme of the building, framing a view of downtown Los Angeles.
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| Inside the green vessel, filled with light. |
Multnomah County Central Library – Portland, Oregon
Fletcher Farr Ayotte PC (Executive Architect)
Fletcher Farr Ayotte PC (Executive Architect)
Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates (Associate Architect)
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| Multnomah County Central Library, after restoration and renovation. |
Historic buildings risk becoming museums unless they are renovated and the Multnomah County Central Library provides an example of how this can be done without losing the original character of the building. Historic photographs were used by local craftspeople to recreate historic features during the rehabilitation and extension of this much loved Portland landmark. A discrete extension on the top of the building is hidden from view at street level and houses the back end of the libraries functions. The beautifully restored historic section of the building houses the public part of the library with updated computer facilities, a children’s library and a coffee shop where patrons can browse the popular collection.
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| The Children's Library on the first floor. |
How can space be used effectively to meet the needs of different demographic groups within the community without compromising the library user experience?
An interesting problem in public library design, mentioned in People Places 2nd Edition, is that of different patterns of library use. People tend to fall into two groups. Quiet library users (usually students and older patrons) who wish to use the library for quiet study and noisy library users (usually children, youth and families) who wish to use the library for group activities that may involve generating substantial quantities of noise. The needs of both groups are legitimate must be met and it is up to the library to determine how much space should be allocated to each type of activity. People Places 2nd Edition recommends physical separation of the spaces where possible and acoustic treatment of walls and ceilings where necessary. Appropriate furniture and equipment in each area will attract users to the right place.
Another important function that libraries are called on to fill, according to Dewe, Michael 2006, is that of a community space for book groups, lectures and public meetings. Space constraints in most public libraries do not allow for a dedicated lecture hall. Clever open plan designs, however, can be easily adapted by shifting furniture to create temporary spaces for special occasions. Folding seats can be set out as needed to create temporary lecture halls or meeting spaces.
References:
Dewe, Michael 2006, Planning public library buildings: concepts and issues for the librarian, Ashgate, Aldershot, UK
Crosbie, Michael J 2003, Architecture for the books, The Images Publishing Group, Mulgrave, Vic.
Reflection
This was a great topic to research because so much has been written about designing public libraries and so much of it is easily available online. The People Places design guide is a fantastic resource that I would recommend to anyone involved in a library renovation or building project. The level of technical information available really doesn't come out in my post, but there are formulas for calculating the amount of floor space required for everything you could possibly want in a public library.
I was excited to see some of the more interesting designs while researching this topic as I find most public library architecture so dull. How exciting would it be if every library was as unique and beautiful as the Eltham Public Library? I feel very strongly that inspirational architecture is important for attracting patrons. Even people who don't think about design respond to it on an emotional level and enjoy being in well designed spaces.
Reflection
This was a great topic to research because so much has been written about designing public libraries and so much of it is easily available online. The People Places design guide is a fantastic resource that I would recommend to anyone involved in a library renovation or building project. The level of technical information available really doesn't come out in my post, but there are formulas for calculating the amount of floor space required for everything you could possibly want in a public library.
I was excited to see some of the more interesting designs while researching this topic as I find most public library architecture so dull. How exciting would it be if every library was as unique and beautiful as the Eltham Public Library? I feel very strongly that inspirational architecture is important for attracting patrons. Even people who don't think about design respond to it on an emotional level and enjoy being in well designed spaces.
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