2021
4th semester | 5 weeks
Course coordinator: Andreea Marcu
Individual work
WHAT IS A LIBRARY?
The core task of the library is to obtain, organize, preserve and make accessible material and information. But they are also promoting the development of a democratic society. They should not only feature literature but also other cultural activities. It is not about a one way process; learning also has an element of creating, and the library has a role in inspiring fantasy and creativity. With its collections of artistic works, it has a natural connection to arts and culture at large. The library also has a social function. It is one of few places left where everyone are welcome.1
THE SITE
The task was to design a library in Västra hamnen, next to the Bo01 area in Malmö. It is a place characterized by the horizon and the sea. There is a strong movement north-south along Sundspromenaden, but also one in direction east-west from Turning Torso. Social sustainability was not the primary goal of Bo01. Despite this, Sundspromenaden has become a place which attracts people from all of Malmö and beyond. Arrangements for bathing and swimming that were not planned at first have been added, since the inhabitants simply bathed anyway. The platform by Scaniaplatsen is one focal point along the promenade, hosting events like dance classes or performances.
The open character of the place, as well as its movements and activities, continues into the building. This library associates learning with creating and its spaces that can be used by writers or artists, readers and students. Outdoor spaces can be used for events or by [reading] sun bathers.
- IFLA & UNESCO (1994) Public Library Manifesto; Mattern, S. (2014) Library as Infrastructure. Places Journal; Nord, K. (2018) En värld att slå vakt om. Sydsvenskan. ↩︎
KARIN TÖRNSTRÖM 