The Brief
Our challenge was to design a library with a concept that evolves alongside the changing requirements in society and the existing Library of Lincoln. The project primarily concerned the challenge, responsibility and potential of designing a long-term relationship between the framework of the existing building and the new. We were asked to research the closure of public libraries and the challenges designers have come across ensuring that the library evolves alongside the changing requirements in society, followed by proposing a new specialised library and archive of our own desire.
Approach
A library is essentially related to a ”hush-hush” place to read and write. It still is, but it's moving from the traditional perception of what a library is, to a place of knowledge that can hold a variety of different subject matters. Now there can be a specific focus for the library and it may as well include a children’s playground, cinemas, theatre, exhibition etc. It´s become a community meeting point that offers all sorts of social activities - an opportunity of bringing people together, making a new environment for the community.
My choice of function was directed to the fear of stage and public performance. A library that's specified for stage performance and interpersonal speaking/communication has for long been a common issue amongst school and university students. This would be a building offering a place to learn, practice, rehears and overcome fear. For people who are nervous and anxious of public performances such as presentations, interviews, stage and theatre performance now has the opportunity to improve themselves and, in time enjoy the experience of public speaking.
