A SOCIAL SPACE FOR

INTERACTION AND
KNOWLEDGE EXHANGE

By Parth Patel
Abstract

The concept of Library has undergone several changes incorporating the

growing requirements of society all over the world. The public Library is a
local gateway to knowledge that should facilitate lifelong learning,
independent decision-making and cultural development of the individual
and social groups. In comparison, Indian libraries are Laking the growing
requirements of society. Thus, electronic media or television influences
today's generation, drastically affecting the reading habit. This thesis project
focus to identify the Laking functions and the challenges faced by
modernizing the public Library in India. The result provides the solution
through the design project of the explementary Public Library, which
promotes community engagement and the making of a vibrant public realm.

Introduction

Globally, Modern library architecture and design is an evolving craft as

technology changes space dynamics. The evolution of libraries in different
cultures and throughout the ages. It investigates how technical innovations
and changing cultural attitudes have shaped the designs of libraries from the
tablet storehouses of ancient Mesopotamia to today's multi-functional
media centres.

In recent times, we have seen an increasingly creative and thoughtful

approach to the look and feel of the 21st-century library. More and more,
librarians and designers consider the emotions they hope to evoke, how
different spaces will utilize, and the ultimate purpose of the library within
the community when conceptualizing the layout. As a result, today's libraries
typically offer a light, fun and aesthetically pleasing environment while
incorporating modern technologies that recent generations have become
accustomed to. From ergonomic furnishings to collaborative workspaces to
even the signage in the parking lots, hardly any design element goes
unconsidered.
On another side, The majority of the focus in Indian libraries is on storing
books and providing a reading environment. we should understand the
meaning of a library. However, a library should not be limited to only books;
it has to also focus on other dimensions of learning.
And the most fundamental change is shift of focus from
"collection to connection"

Though growth and development of public libraries, in general, has

been remarkable. Nevertheless, according to the International Federation
of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) standards, there should be
one public library for every 3,000 people. Thus, with over one billion
people, India needs more than 343,000 public library units. As Table 1
depicts, there are 30 states and six union territories in India, out of which 28
states and 4 UTs have state central libraries. In total, approximately 153291
public libraries are existing in India. The data in the table indicates that a
fast developing country like India needs more and more public libraries in
every nook and corner of the country. Then only every citizen can involve in
the development of the nation.

Co-working is a big part of our economy, but we recognize that everyone

does not have access to that, so we should provide a space with equipment
for us to get our business or our creative endeavour off the ground.

For instance, we can add two recording spaces, where aspiring home
musicians can get a space. Record their projects within the library because
most young artists and beginnings may lack the necessary facilities for their
creative work. This call to action creates a vibrant community space, a
vibrant technology space, and a vibrant cultural space.

Spaces for programmes for young children and refer to "little kids." The kids
were just born. So the Parents come to the program, learn to do the rhymes,
read the books and learn to do all the things for early literacy. They can find
themselves in a room with other parents who have gone through the same
thing, and they connect, build relationships, share stories, share ideas, and
things like that.

Source:Story in numbers: The 'poor' state of public libraries in India | Business Standard News (business-standard.com)
Difference characteristics of Library Design

TRADITIONAL LIBRARY MODERN LIBRARY

ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE
Temple of knowledge Living room of the city

Imposing steps & Street interaction and

entrance halls retail entrances
Domes & rotundas Atrium and skylights

Restricted/indirect Open access to

Access to mterials materials/books
Bookshelves with Human height or lower
Laddeers bookshelf design
Institutional furniture Club lounge furniture

Defensive/quite space Networking,lively spaces

Stand alone building Shared spaces

Librarians – strict, Librarians – warm,

knowledge custodians knowledge navigator
Child free Child friendly

Needs of disabled Good disability access

ignored

Source: 'DELHI PUBLIC LIBRARY' , ABHIMANYU SINGHAL, 2016

Entrance to the state central library, Students preparing for competitive exam
Gandhinagar. at state central library ,Gandhinagar

Stack room of state central library Reading carrel and self-study zone
,Gandhinagar. ,state central library ,Gandhinagar.
Idea store,london Library as a community The Tama Art University Library,
center-serving local need Japan.

Parks Library, Australia

Tingbjerg Library and Culture
House, Denmark.
Thesis Statement

By offering additional modern functions alongside specialized public library

programme functions. It promotes community engagement and a vibrant
public realm.

Approach

Understanding of the problem

Data collection

Data analysis

Site introduction

Site analysis

Case studies

Solution proposal

Conclusion

Preliminary result

Looking into the data presented in the table, a good number of public
libraries were established only in the southern part of India compared to the
remaining four parts. It is high time for the nation in general and RRRLF, in
particular, they have to bring pressure on state governments for the
enactment of library legislation as well as to establish public libraries
in every nook and corner of the state. Then only can the state prepare and
provide better and fully knowledgeable citizens to its nation.
The government of India also has to take up the responsibility and help
every state in planning and establishing modernized public libraries
throughout the country under the Digital India project.

So, This thesis project represents the reimagined multi-purpose modernized

public library capable of engaging the community and becoming a place for
leisure-apart from providing a conducive environment for learning and
reading.