FEL NIÑA D.

SALAMAT ARCH 461

Reaction Paper: TEDx – Brampton

Public libraries are essential buildings that provide open access to a lot of books and
technologies. They are commonly situated in various places for everyone to visit and utilize. It is a
place where people can search through books that contains specific contents, gather to work on
group projects or even spend leisure time as they read their favorite topics. Although ‘books’ are
typically the idea that comes into mind when ‘libraries’ are put up into discussions, the video from
Brampton TEDx showcases how public libraries continues to evolve in this day and age to
accommodate several activities making it act like ‘community hubs’ and ‘democratic spaces’.
From the video, it can be seen how relevant public libraries are throughout time. Despite
existing for multiple generations, the demand for these types of facilities continues to increase
since people would always seek knowledge and a conducive place to work at or study. Alongside
with technology, public libraries constantly expand and grow offering different functions that
widens the type of people they can serve with their new varying provisions for certain activities.
While retaining its main purpose of providing educational access to the public, they are also
starting to reach the next level of embracing not just a typical library operation, but a more
inclusive one with regards to the contemporary designs applied and the utilization of spaces.
In the architectural sense, public libraries are carefully designed and planned to create the
right spaces for different activities without making it too exclusive. Since it is a place where
everyone can freely come and do what they want, designers ensures that they properly zone the
areas. By doing this they create an unseen boundary that allows the users to understand the
specific function of the space while still being welcomed to come and go.
Another aspect as to how architecture plays a vital role in public libraries which can be
observed from the video is how they are expressed both on the exterior and interior. How public
libraries appear on its exterior greatly influences how people would perceive it and how the
community would be affected by it. A good exterior pulls in a great number of people or users
since it would pique their interest while it would also create a good impression on the community
environment. On the other hand, the careful details on the interiors would create a more
conducive yet comfortable set-up for specific users and activities.
TEDx Brampton generally spoke on how public libraries are growing steadily to match the
present times and the different needs of a wider range of users. It continuously evolves while
integrating better architecture that basically weaves the zoned spaces, the suitable interiors for
certain activities and how the building should generally complement the community or its
surroundings. The video showcases what a public library would normally be and how much more
it can be with the touch of contemporary ideas and a good architecture.