biblio:polis is a spatial design concept for a contemporary public library. Four different spatial elements #ramp; #table; #circle and #hashtag-shelf are creating a flexible structure for different situations.

In biblio:polis the digital and physical elements are linked to each other. The contentwise linking system affects the positioning of the spatial elements, and as well the content inside of each »hashtag-shelf«

Overview of one possible spatial settings with the four basic elements: ramp, table, circle and hashtag-shelf. The flexibility of the elements offer different settings for each use and format.

The wide entrance doors create an overlapping of inside and outside space

Screens attached to each Hashtag-shelf function as linking and searching modules, as well as displays

One spatial setting with the element »ramp« to create an temporary agora for discussions with centered stage

Audio tour as a possible format for the transfer of knowledge inside of a library

One element can be used in various ways depending on the needs and formats taking place

Many smaller tables form a huge surface

Inside of the circles various atmospheres to reflect, rest and work concentrated are created

The publication

biblio:polis – spaces of #knowledge, #memory and #encounter

To whom is knowledge accessible in our society?
What happens when it becomes commodified and is no longer freely accessible?
And what other ways of sharing and passing on knowledge are possible?

The master’s thesis biblio:polis is a spatial action strategy for a contemporary public library. As an (inter-)active and public place biblio:polis offers a framework for the discussion of socially relevant topics and thus expands the basic functions of the library. Biblio:polis creates a counterpoint to permanent growth and the desire for the maximisation of profits in nowadays cities and offers a public meeting-place without commercial interests. It is a place of action and movement, dealing with different ways of transferring, remembering, storing and negotiating knowledge collectively as a community / society.

The four elements #table, #ramp, #circle and #Hashtag-shelf form the spatial infrastructure of biblio:polis. These flexible elements are combinable with each other and create the base for different formats and radical spatial situations. Through their specific functions and flexible positioning within a variety of different spaces and settings, they allow for the negotiation of knowledge in various ways. Another essential part is the direct linking of digital content with analog positioning of media and furniture inside the library. Discourses are transferred into physical space and made visible as well as tangible. Biblio:polis enables empowerment and forms a central public place for all inhabitants of the city. We have designed an exemplary implementation based in the empty, former cocoa store »Baakenhöft« in Hamburg. The concept can be adapted to different locations and their particular requirements.

Category:
Research

Associated services:
Conception
Design
Visualisation
Stop motion animation

Year:
2018

Place:
Hamburg / Kiel

Cooperation:
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design (Prof. Dr. Sandra Schramke, Prof. Christian Teckert)