The process of integrating public space into libraries can be a challenge, but with careful consideration and a well-executed planning process, it can lead to successful and meaningful experiences for the community. Public space in a library design starts with clear vision and goals. You need to define a clear vision for the library and its role within the community. We help libraries determine the collection development, display goals and outcomes. Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD can support the integration of public space in library design.
What strategies are right for your organization? Regardless, if you are an academic or public library it is time to plan your public space. For example, do you have a clear criteria for placing public art, digital displays and service points? How does the entrance align with the library vision, mission and identity? What are your aspirations?
Create a sense of place
It is important to engage with the community, but how? From the outset of the planning process, we conduct surveys, host public meetings, and involve community members in discussions about what kind of public space they would like to see in the library. Basically, our library planning workshops facilitate collaboration between organizational leadership, architects, designers, and librarians.
Join us on September 15, 2023 at Steelcase in NYC for a full day of design and programming.
Library as Place
Most importantly, public space in libraries is critical to its development For example, our work at the SNFCC enabled the City of Athens to create a sense of place. By reflecting the Greek community’s history, culture, or values, our work helped the library feel more welcoming and inviting.
Basically, we integrate public space into the library’s design. From the early stages, we consider allocating program elements or spaces designed for flexible installations. Certainly, we ensure a cohesive relationship between the library functionality and the environment.
The Library for the Birds
There are many artists that think about library and design. Take a look at the “The Library for the Birds” by Mark Dion. This is a large-scale installation that features a collection of objects that is placed in a library. Its inspirations is from the natural world, including trees, plants, and animals.
Generally, think about how libraries can use architectural design and programming to enhance the library experience. For example, John Szabo at the Los Angeles Public Library has a dedicated art budget of $1 million per year. The budget is used to plan new artwork installations, events, and maintain the library’s management of spaces. Los Angeles Public Library provides amazing programs that can be distributed to all of its branches. It will be interesting to see the developments of this library system.
Promote Engagement
Public space can be used to promote civic engagement by encouraging people to think about the world around them. Flexible space in a library can bring ideas to the foreground. This can be done through art that addresses social issues, political issues, or environmental issues.
Strategic information mapping enables our team to program and plan the library environment. However, you need to allocate a sufficient budget for the library space plan. Our library consultant works with the library to ensure there is a long-term plan. Our work supports collection development and conservation of unique resources. We take into account the cultural and historical context of the library building.
Inspire creativity
Public space resonates with your imagination. Libraries have a history that creates a deeper cultural and historical context. When you incorporate educational and interpretive elements into the library space, you can enhance the patrons understanding and appreciation of the library and its significance.
Library Consultant
Libraries need systems for adaptive space planning. If you are looking to incorporate public space into your buildings and interiors, a library space planning and design team can help. We can analyze the art budget, and skills required for art management. Basically, a master library planning effort will help build a commitment for change.
Certainly, the design of the library and public spaces takes time to plan. You need to add flexibility to accommodate changes and new additions over time. The library is a dynamic place that always needs to be able to evolve. What are your community’s needs and aspirations?
Transforming Libraries
Public space planning can transform libraries into places. All libraries are places where people can learn, connect, and create. By developing a library program, you can start creating a sense of place. You can increase user engagement, and inspire creativity. Start with a public art project and help to make your library more welcoming, inviting, and engaging for people of all ages.
Library Programming
Library programming is a valuable asset for the library. Strategically, it helps make libraries more attractive, inviting, and engaging places. Library programming helps to promote civic engagement and inspire new ideas. Aaron Cohen Associates, ltd can help with the design, planning and effort. We can help you create a library that is both beautiful and functional.
These are places for community engagement, collaboration and civic participation. Public space can play a significant role in service planning and design. Aaron Cohen Associates, LTD helps libraries create spaces that are welcoming, inviting, and engaging. There are many ways that public space be used to enhance library services. Throughout the planning process, we provide the design team with valuable insights and expertise to create a well-rounded library program.
