Innovative library spaces: Dokk1, Oodi, Deichman Bjørvika and Gabriel García Márquez
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3145/infonomy.26.026Keywords:
Library architecture, Library design, Innovation, Public libraries, Dokk1, Oodi, Deichman Bjørkiva, Biblioteca Gabriel García MárquezAbstract
This article seeks to identify innovations in the design of recent public libraries. It examines whether there is genuine innovation in library architecture and its influence on service provision and the community. To this purpose, four libraries that have received the IFLA Public Library of the Year Award are analysed. A precedent analysis is carried out based on visits to the four facilities. All of this is supported by a critical literature review. The selected examples are Dokk1, Oodi, Deichman Bjørvika and the Gabriel García Márquez Library. Although their programmes differ, resulting in distinct characteristics, the four libraries share significant similarities in terms of their conception as a third place, their adaptability –specific flexibility–, participatory design, and respect for the environment. It is concluded that, although the individual innovations they contain often have already been previously available in other libraries, the fact of bringing them together in a single location, combined with the adaptability of the spaces, makes them examples of innovation with a strong influence on the community through these services. This adaptability is the best guarantee for easily adopting new innovations and services that may arise in the future.
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