Library at Tunku Putra-HELP International School
This project was without a brief nor a budget; our initial concept proposal and project cost were two key elements for the client to agree to the scheme’s inception.
The ‘site’ is 846 m² on the 1st floor of their new school building. The existing library in the old school was merely a space containing collections of books and periodicals. We realized that the ‘expansion’ cannot be merely in physical space, but in mindset as well.
We won our client over with comprehensive research on children and learning, and proposed an Interactive library with spatial qualities that would encourage interest in finding knowledge. Our design influences included Richard Scary’s Busy World - a classic children’s picture storybook. In it, children experienced spaces zoned in clusters, connected with curvy roads and roundabouts; encouraging them to stay and explore, and not want to leave.
The key spaces of the scheme are:
Creative Art & Media Gallery: to display students’ arts and craft projects, placed nearest to the library entrance to contrast the traditional perception of a library as a formal place of learning.
Elementary Zone: the Book Hives are the main attraction of the library; they are constructed from stackable modular shelves with gaps between the shelves and books for light and views to permeate. The children are drawn in by its circular form and this is usually the first place they rush to ‘occupy’ when entering the library. And judging from the chatter of excitement - it leaves a lasting impression.
Primary Zone – trees of cardboard mimics the trees outside, visible through the tall windows. We imagine that these trees will bear fruits of the children’s artwork. It is interesting to observe them sit, read and lie down underneath the shade of these imagined trees.
Storytelling/Activity Zone – this is a flexible gathering space, a carpet lined amphitheater for the exchange of ideas and conversation; ready to transform to suit new functions within minutes.
This is a library that allows children to inhabit design, strengthen their cognitive skills through experience, thought, and sensory input.
The children do so by responding to the colours, forms and tactility – different materials are used for different age groups. While the spaces are defined by these different colours and materials, they are not restrictive because their boundaries are ambiguous. The fluid lines of the book shelves, the tiered platforms and low cardboard fencing within this vast open plan only suggest the limits of usage and activities by the children.
Supervision is made easier as most of the dividers are no higher than 1200 mm while the higher ones are visually permeable.
This is a library that allows children to inhabit design, strengthen their cognitive skills through experience, thought, and sensory input.
Text by the architect
PROJECT GALLERY
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Architect : INTODESIGN Lab
Client : Tunku Putra-HELP International School
Area : 846 m²
Project Location : Kuching | Sarawak
Year : 2019 -
Design Team : Tay Tze Yong | Lam Choi Suan | Sim Siok Pheng | Genevieve Yeo Pei Fang | Tay Siew Wen | Betty Liew Pei Ying | Jane Lee Wan Ning | Jane Yvonne Yeoh Ying Ying
Photography : INTODESIGN Lab -
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