Library Design Today

Libraries today have changed from repositories of printed information, where the main activity was reading, to places where anyone can access a seemingly endless and diverse range of information.  

The internet has changed our access to information, and thus knowledge, and the way we are all working and living forever blurring boundaries between leisure, work and play.  With most libraries providing free access to the internet, not having a computer is now no longer a barrier to learning or communicating for those who can’t afford it, or for children, young adults or the elderly.

A modern library environment requires a variety of spaces that are flexible enough to provide easy access and a place to belong to, to socialise, learn and communicate. Libraries are becoming more and more intertwined with other associative activities such as café’s, art galleries, museums, learning centres, visitor centres, bookshops, citizen’s advice bureaus and Plunket.

Planning and designing a modern library today requires a wide range of considerations. Future proofing to allow for expansion, public spaces where people can arrive and chat, spaces for quite reading/study and secure child friendly areas are also needed. Demand for young adult spaces that meet their needs of computer gaming, socializing, meeting, homework and are partially separate from quieter areas of the library is also increasing.

Shelving has become mobile so spaces can be reconfigured into other roles particularly after hours. There are fewer books as more other activities are provided and collections are floated between libraries so that books can conveniently be returned at different locations. Increasingly staff are working at stations out in the library amongst the public rather than behind a desk. New technologies like RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) are changing and simplifying how books are issued and returned.

The new Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre completed in 2010 by Auckland architectural practice Archoffice has incorporated these design ideals and has recently been awarded a NZ Architecture Award for Public Architecture as well as several other awards covering sustainability and design.  It has broken new ground in both library design and environmentally sustainable design.

Its striking design is based around the concept of looking through ancient trees that existed on the site to its expansive view of Auckland. Glazed vertical slots and perforated ceiling panels create pleasant dappled light within the library. It is the only library in NZ that has drive-by returns in a basement car park allowing book drop offs with no need to park. A commitment to environmentally sustainable design principles has created a building management system which provides optimum economical energy use in the building both thermally and for lighting. It also incorporates the latest modern technology for internet and communications and is a real asset to the community.  

To find out more about the Archoffice practice visit: http://www.archoffice.co.nz/Office.html   To see more photos of the Birkenhead Library and Civic Centre visit: http://www.archoffice.co.nz/projects.ashx?134366

Thanks to Micheal Ng for the interior photos of Birkenhead Library and Simon Devitt for the exterior photo with the woman and buggy.