How can you fit a public library in a house where you can not offer the required 800sqm? This was a perfect quest for Design Thinking and one I was determined to solve. I did.
The Process
| Problem Analysis |  | Key Questions |
| Trends & Statistics | | Projections |
| User Research | | User Profiles |
| Competitor Review | | Inspiration |
| Legal Context | | Restraints |
| Funding | | Guidelines |
| Technical Solutions | | Products & Partners |
User Needs
I utilised a series of workshops in Berlin’s library development plan, to gather insights into user needs. Aligning the need for silence as well as gatherings turned out to be one of the biggest challenges.
Business Needs
I also discovered some unique challenges of today’s libraries. While the number of book lendings goes down, the number of visitors goes up, yet public funding is still based on the number of lendings.
Competitor Review
I found inspiring examples for libraries as “The Third Space” like
the IdeaStore in London and Dokk1 in Aarhus. Germany too has inspirational innovations to offer like a self-serviced library in Köln-Kalk or the tiny supermarket library in Erkrath.
The Solution
- Pay-per-use Room Booking
- Optimised Storage
- Book Recommendations
- Noise Habitats
- Open Library
- Collaboration
- One dedicated space for the library with street access, storage in the basement, and use of multi-functional rooms throughout
the house when needed. - Smart storage solutions provide ample space in the library room and automated conveyor belts pick up and deliver books to the basement.
- The limited display is curated by expert staff and regularly updated to encourage frequent visits. Smart bookshelves are placed throughout the building.
- Multiple rooms make it easier to create different sound environments. The children’s library is placed in the back room, while a silent reading room provides tranquillity.
- Automated returns and check-outs, an online room booking system, and smart access control allow for longer opening hours and enable staff to concentrate on the books.
- Together with other commercial and social institutions in the building, the library could offer an extensive educational program that would benefit the community and economy.
Storage Example
Floor Plans
Validation
My recommendation also included an evaluation of all proposed solutions and an executive summary for management.
Final Report
I summarised all my findings in a report that included all insights, examples, calculations, and my recommendation that demonstrated that one can easily
fit a 729 sqm local library in a combined commercial and residential property and save money for running the library in the process.
