Public Library Design Case Study:
The digital team at Gateshead Libraries (@Ghddigiteam) had established a highly success programme of activities in the library and across the borough and needed a space for larger events in the central library to keep at the forefront of these developments. The challenge was to find the right space in a busy library with an already thriving events programme. Makerspaces need a special ambience, not to mention sufficient storage space and work surfaces for all the equipment, collaborative activities and presentations. At Gateshead, Opening the Book created a successful MakerPlace in their existing Sound Gallery. This was a delicate balancing act which had to make enough space for the new, exciting programme of craft/making activities while respecting the popularity of the sound and vision collection.
To help this space really stand out from the rest of the library, our designer Paul Miller came up with the bold idea of creating trompe l’oeuil holes in the walls through which you could view the inner workings of circuit boards alongside steam punk cogs and wheels. This set up a fun contrast to the original Edwardian cornice features in the room.
A striking scheme of finishes was devised for our heavy-duty Creatorspace tables. Concrete, rough-hewn wood and a bespoke riveted metal-look laminate in pink bring a contemporary spin on the industrial workshop feel. Edison-style bulbs suspended from a gantry over the equipment bench add an element of the science lab. Flip-top tables in the same finishes provide flexibility to create workspaces for individuals or small group collaboration and can be pushed together for larger groups. Pluto units on the tables supply standard and USB power outlets.
The equipment bench accommodates all the equipment the Gateshead team wanted, including laser and vinyl cutters and 3D printers. The lockable cupboards store the portable items such as the Ceeds, Raspberry Pi, soldering irons, etc.
It was a proud moment to hear that, early in the pandemic, the MakerPlace became a hive of activity with library staff and community volunteers laser-cutting thousands of PPE face-shields and making 3D printed visors for key workers in Gateshead. In total the space manufactured over 7,000 visors. A picture of this activity was selected by Historic England as part of 100 images in its collection Picturing Lockdown.
The first new library built in the County for 20 years meant expectations were high at Thame for the library service and politicians as well as the local community.
The 4th floor of Boots Library is the most heavily used computer space in the university. The brief was to raise the quality of the student experience while maintaining the required number of computers and supporting 24/7 opening.
The new Library and Customer Service Centre at Risca is built as a modern extension behind the restored façade of the old Palace Cinema which had been derelict for many years.
Opening the Book was contracted to deliver an interior design which made the space lighter and brighter, implemented a successful transition from staff-led counter service to self-service via RFID and improved the customer experience for over 500,000 people visiting the library each year.
Opening the Book was first appointed by Mace to work with the architects, structural engineers, project managers, landscape architects, mechanical and electrical designers at Stages A-E of the planned new building.
Transforming the old chapel in a 19th century school into a contemporary, practical library was an exciting challenge for our design team.
Werneth School in Stockport moved to a new purpose-built home on the school site. How could all the successful library activities be fitted into a smaller space?
Opening the Book first visited St Mary’s Church, Lichfield, in 2016 to consider the feasibility of the library being part of a larger refurbishment project.
This was a first for Opening the Book and gave us an opportunity to explore how we could bring the same aesthetic of integrating books and play that we bring to our public library projects into a very challenging, much more compact environment.
Opening the Book refurbished Gateshead Central Lending Library, including children’s and young adult areas, in 2009 so we were delighted to return to complete the work with a transformation of the computer and reference areas into the new Gateshead Archive.
In 2020 Conwy CBC had an opportunity to provide a new community hub for rural Conwy when the building which had been the Glasdir Business and Conference Centre in Llanrwst became available.
Opening the Book was excited to work with Doncaster MBC in creating the new Danum centre, bringing together the Central Library, the Museum and the Art Gallery to one site.