SURROUNDED BY PAPER

The library is a place where we go and surround ourselves with books and the stories that they bring. Thinking about the micro-library and what can be expected from such a library we focused on catching the character of the interior that resembles peace and tranquility. We really focused on the shape of the library that would give any person a private space to read a book. However we do realize that not everyone wants to be confined in 4 walls so that is where we came up with the idea of a half-oval shape. Thanks to the natural lightning that will be prominent throughout the library the feeling of warmth and coziness will be notable.

Before we managed to reach our final design, we had foretaken a long trip where we tested different shapes through doing many sketches and models by hand as well as those done in computer programs. Our trial buildings had different heights, shapes and overall different characters to one another. Nonetheless, the one we decided upon was the closest to our imagined design that's why we spent most of our time perfecting this design.

A large portion of our attention was given to the construction and materials of which the building was made of. We designed the building so that the whole thing was made up of the skeleton and segments on runners that can be manipulated. Through manipulation we mean adapting their spacing to the needs of the users as well as the amount of people that will be using it. It allows for a stacking effect of usable areas or completely the opposite, depending on the needs.

A characteristic thing in our project are the covers that are situated on the runners, this allows the users of the library to open and close the “walls” of the library. Thanks to this, in a matter of moments we can isolate ourselves from noise, people, wind, rain and overall everything.

The material that we have chosen for the covers has a couple of vital functions. With its structure and looks it reminds us of paper, which nicely cooperates with the books. It’s waterproof and transparent which means that we have access to natural light even during the rain. This gives the library functionality despite the weather.

The construction of the library is going to be made from wood, wood is a very handy material and also it’s a very eye pleasing material as well as it doesn’t conduct much cold. In turn we don’t have to worry where we sit. The runners, where the pleats are fastened to, are made of metal, which works well with wood to create a very pleasant environment to be in.

Firstly, we would like to point out that the world is ever changing and so should the architecture of buildings. People have new ideas, new passions, new trends and this changes their expectations for different things. With certainty we would like to add-on to the functionality and comfort of our micro-library to the expectations of present and future people but this effect shouldn’t be obvious as discovering something that is helpful and beautiful to us is amazing and rewarding.