Library Interior Design
Interior design often is thought to cover the entire area of a structure, but it can be area specific. In this article, we cover library interior design issues and ideas.
Library Interior Design
Libraries as repositories for manuscripts, books and knowledge have existed for thousands of years. In the past century, many libraries were built with much concern to the exterior design and very little to interior design. This has reflected the lead exterior has held over interior design for a long time. Recently, this trend has been shifting more and more. Interior designers are turning their attention to the design concepts of library interiors. They are putting all of their skill and training into producing a new type of building that stresses ambiance and environment.
The good library design is a mixture of functionality and appeal. There is a need for functionality. This is reflected in the working areas for staff. The appeal is for the customers. The physical storage of books is a necessity in a library. This must be reflected in any design concept, but the crowded narrow stacks of the old library are not necessary.
Lighting and color are important concepts in library interior design. Since reading is the primary function of the library, proper lighting is essential. The lighting should be a mixture of natural and direct overhead artificial light. The design should be open and roomy. The color scheme should be one that stimulates creativity and thought, but does not cause undue excitement or agitation.
The modern library is more than just books. A good interior design will have areas set aside for computer tables. Another factor of a good design is a separate area for children that is a bit removed from the main area of the library and has space for activities such as story time. Classrooms and meeting rooms are a welcome addition to must libraries and increase the usefulness of the buildings. Since many libraries also are used to store records and manuscript collections, a safe environmentally controlled storage area is another need of the design concept.
It is important to design some security into the concept as well. Traffic flow into and out of the library must be channeled past staff areas to prevent theft. A library is a multifunctional building that presents a serious challenge to the Interior Designer. One thing to realize about the library is that it is in competition. It competes with bookstores, but in a greater sense in competes with ignorance and illiteracy. The goal of a library is to attract patrons of all ages. If the Interior design makes the visit to the library comfortable and pleasing to the visitor than it has met this competitive need.