Unconventional Solutions
The Open Library project by ARP studio emerged from a seemingly ordinary request by the school management at Vič Primary School in Ljubljana. Faced with a growing number of students and limited space, the initial plan was to build a new classroom in the central hall. However, this would have compromised natural lighting and isolated the space from the outdoors. Instead, ARP studio proposed a radical alternative – transforming the hall into a vibrant library and relocating the classroom to the former library space.
Integrating the Library
The Open Library is ingeniously integrated into the central hall, encircling it with a new structure. This design ensures that children have constant visual access to books, fostering a culture of learning and exploration. From the first floor, students can observe activities in the library, maintaining a sense of connectivity with the space.
Balancing Tranquility and Activity
Placing the library in a shared hall presented challenges. While libraries typically prioritize tranquility, school environments are inherently dynamic. ARP studio addressed this dilemma by creating a multifunctional space that accommodates both quiet reading and lively school breaks. Here, students not only develop reading habits but also engage in storytelling, presentations, and socializing.
Structural Design
The library’s design emphasizes lightness and transparency. Primary timber elements define the spatial grid, complemented by metal frames for structural support. This transparent framework allows natural light to permeate the space while providing structural integrity. During construction, the efficient stacking system facilitated quick assembly, demonstrating the clarity of the structural design.
Multifunctional Space
In addition to serving as a library, the space can transform into a temporary classroom or a venue for various activities. Bookcases line the interior, while a semicircular staircase, previously closed off, is reopened and integrated into the intervention. This versatile design ensures that the library remains a dynamic hub for learning and exploration, enriching the educational experience of students at Vič Primary School.
