Library Design Ideas

This library was designed by architects Alsop and Störmer and built between 1998 and 2000 but the particularity of this library is both unique and radical. It is in the shape of an inverted capital letter 'L'.

The upper part of this 'L' shaped building is supported by thin steel pillars that are set at apparently random angles. This serves to give the viewer the impression that the building is 'walking', creating a real sense of movement. Various 'pods' style structures are home to public meeting rooms, children's areas and the library's Afro-Caribbean section. The windows are arranged in a what, at first sight, appears to be a haphazard manner. The windows situated on the upper floors reward the visitor with some wonderful views of London.

The Library opened to the public on March 8th, 2000. Due to the publicity raised by the library design winning the Stirling Prize it attracted some 500,000 visitors in its first year. The judges stated that they were impressed with the building's unique approach. The designers had taken the plan footprint of a conventional library design and then elevated it to create a public space beneath the building. This library design also moves the quiet reading space away from any street level noise.

Same as the University of Tripoli the Peckham design has given great thought to energy conservation. Natural light floods into the building through the glass wall. This reduces the need for artificial lighting. The library design radiates a sense of fun and its existence has had a positive and regenerative effect upon the surrounding environment.
Library interior design or architecture requires detailed planning before plans are drawn. Interior designers can facilitate the planning process if they are skilled in communication and knowledge of the function of a library. The needs of the library patrons must be adhered to when planning the design.

It is important for designers involved in library interior design to be aware of the ambience that the library must convey to its visitors. Many bookstores feature nice comfortable chairs and coffee service enticing visitors to stay longer. In the past, libraries were very sterile and uninviting for many people, especially the younger crowd. How does the modern library compete with the bookstore? The interior designer must use their knowledge of construction and design along with their marketing skills to design a library that can bring in all ages and compete with the modern bookstore/coffee shop.

Some areas the designer may focus on are lighting, acoustics and signage. Library interior design involves designing for different age groups, people who are there for study or research purposes and people who just want to relax with friends and read the paper. Everyone must easily access all products and services offered by the library. Work areas for staff must be ergonomic and functional. Areas for children should include hands on play areas and quiet reading areas for parents and children. The entire facility should be modern and fun. The designer will need to include areas for computer use as well.

An important aspect of library interior design involves the selection of furniture. The furniture must be durable and comfortable. If the library has a set budget, the designer will need to pay close attention to it when selecting furniture. The interior designer will need call on all their supplier contacts to source out the best possible deal for the library in order to stay under budget. There are also commercial manufacturers that design furniture specifically for libraries and other commercial buildings. Interior designers or architects can select standard furniture and then add a custom feature to it to fit the needs of the library design project. Commercial furniture is manufactured to withstand heavy use.

Another aspect of library interior design is a theft detection system must be installed in a strategic location.