Innovative School Library Design: Shanghai Conservatory of Music Experimental School Hebi Branch Library Interior Renovation by URBANUS

The Shanghai Conservatory of Music Experimental School Hebi Branch Library Interior Renovation, designed by URBANUS, stands as a prime example of innovative school library design. Located in Hebi, China, a fifth-tier city, this library renovation not only addresses the practical needs of students but also reimagines the role of libraries in fostering a love for reading and learning in less-resourced areas.

This newly-built, nine-year public school aims to provide a dynamic space for students and educators alike. The library, centrally positioned along the main axis of the campus, acts as the spiritual heart of the school. With a total area of 3,089 m² and completed in 2023, the library is designed to cater to the educational and emotional needs of its diverse user base. URBANUS has focused on creating an inspiring environment where children are encouraged to cultivate a lifelong love for reading.

The Design Challenge and Approach

The Need for Pragmatic Design in a Fifth-Tier City

URBANUS faced unique challenges in designing the library in a city like Hebi, which is often overlooked in favor of major urban centers. However, they recognized that a well-designed library could serve as a transformative space, inspiring creativity and intellectual growth. The library was designed with the understanding that in remote areas with limited access to resources, a well-designed library can be a sanctuary for education and self-improvement.

Design Strategy: Minimal Cost, Maximum Impact

The goal of the renovation was to upgrade the existing structure with minimal costs while delivering maximum impact. The original building had three floors, each square in plan with a large central staircase and an atrium topped by a central skylight. By focusing on upgrading the existing building’s internal layout and enhancing the natural light and spatial experience, URBANUS was able to create a functional yet inspiring library space.

Key Design Solutions for an Innovative School Library

Softening Natural Light: A Key to Comfortable Reading

One of the primary challenges was the skylight, which lacked adequate provisions for sun shading, ventilation, and smoke exhaust. This resulted in excessive heat and direct sunlight that could make the library uncomfortable for reading. URBANUS tackled this issue by adding motorized clerestory windows that allowed for natural ventilation and reduced reliance on air conditioning. To further enhance comfort, perforated aluminum panels were installed beneath the skylight, acting as a "light filter" to soften the direct sunlight and create a gentler, more pleasant reading environment.

Creating Vertical Learning Spaces: The "Book Mountain"

The original staircase, which resembled a bookstore event space, did not meet the needs of a quiet library setting. URBANUS responded by designing a "book mountain" – a cascade of bookshelves and reading areas that break up the large staircase into several distinct levels. This innovative design creates a vertical communication space that accommodates both elementary and middle school students. The "book mountain" serves as a dynamic feature of the library, encouraging exploration and discovery while maintaining a functional flow throughout the space.

Connecting the Mezzanine: The Zigzagging Bookshelf Staircase

The third floor of the building, originally a mezzanine with no direct connection to the other levels, was transformed into a teachers' retreat. The third-floor lounge, designed for socializing and professional development, overlooks the library below. A zigzagging staircase embedded in the bookshelves connects the second and third floors, creating a continuous spatial narrative that links all three levels of the library.

Functional Zoning: Tailored Spaces for Different Age Groups

Elementary School Reading Area: Interactive and Intimate Spaces

On the first floor, URBANUS designed an elementary school reading area that fosters focus and imagination. Glass partitions were used to separate the teachers' closed-shelf section from the open-shelf reading area, ensuring both privacy for the teachers and visibility for the students. The space is subdivided into smaller areas through bookshelves, each capable of accommodating one teaching group. These areas are further enriched with "caves" – small, inhabitable spaces that offer a more private reading experience for students.

Middle School Reading Area: Flexible and Collaborative Learning Spaces

The second floor is dedicated to middle school students, with reading "islands" placed around the atrium. Each island features thematic colors, large shared desks, and bookshelves for independent reading. These areas are designed to foster collaboration and independent study, with ample natural light and open views. The flexibility of the design allows students to work individually or in groups, catering to their diverse learning needs.

Teachers' Lounge: A Space for Reflection and Rejuvenation

The third floor serves as a lounge for teachers, providing a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the classrooms. This space is filled with books that support personal growth and reflection, offering teachers a retreat where they can recharge and find inspiration.

Materials and Color Palette: Creating a Vibrant and Inviting Space

To enhance the overall experience, URBANUS carefully selected materials and colors that complement the library's functional design. The walls and ceilings are finished in pure white to maintain a clean and minimalist aesthetic. Polycarbonate panels along the perimeter of the "book mountain" create a translucent effect that gently veils the books, adding texture and visual interest to the space.

For the flooring, PVC-woven vinyl carpet in various colors was used to define different zones within the library. These carpets not only enhance the visual appeal but also improve sound absorption. In the elementary school section, darker shades like blue and brown were chosen to promote focus, while the middle school area features brighter colors to encourage energy and creativity.

The Importance of Innovative Library Design in Education

The renovation of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music Experimental School Hebi Branch Library demonstrates the transformative power of innovative school library design. Despite the limited budget and resources in a fifth-tier city, the library’s design exceeds expectations, providing a space that is both functional and inspiring. It is a testament to how thoughtful design can have a lasting impact on students' educational experiences, particularly in less resourced areas. This library offers much more than books – it provides a refuge where students can build a lifelong habit of learning, helping them escape the challenges of their environment and open their minds to a world of possibilities.

All the photographs are work of UK Studio