Bioteka in Lublin

Modernization inspired by revitalization.

Undoubtedly, the most important thing in any project is the inspiration. In the case of Bioteka, it was the extremely successful revitalization of the 19th century Saxon Garden, also known as the green heart of Lublin. The revitalization took place at the turn of 2012/13 and was very positively received by Lubliners. Both the Garden and the Bioteka are located in the very center of Lublin and are adjacent to each other “across the road.” The Library was intended to be a peculiar and year-round extension of the Garden. Since the day it opened, it has been carrying out an educational mission to build environmental awareness and actively promoting the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The program implemented by the librarians supports the idea of lifelong learning. It is also worth mentioning that educational activities are carried out for all age groups.

Architectural quality

As designers, we decided that the interiors of the newly designed library would be a natural continuation of the Saxon Garden, and the materials we would use would be wood, concrete (contemporary stone) and large amounts of greenery. We were very keen for the project to be created in the spirit of the idea of sustainable development, so we assumed that materials such as paint, micro-cement, etc. were to be ecological and of high quality, and that the boards used for interior finishing were recycled (tanning the boards gave an effect that was not only aesthetically pleasing, but also naturally increased their lifespan). Internal installations (mechanical ventilation, plumbing, central heating, electricity) were upgraded, which improved their durability and efficiency. Lighting has been divided into sections that can be controlled as needed. It is possible to set intense LED light of neutral color for reading and working, or decorative and warm LED light of low intensity when we do not need strong lighting. “Green islands” on the ceiling naturally improve interior acoustics, without the need for additional soundproofing panels. There is also an additional accent in the form of a so-called “hydro wall,” a wall with closed water circulation, which introduces another element of nature into the interiors. Flowing air bubbles in the hydro-wall generate a pleasant and soothing noise for library users. In designing, we were inspired by IFLA* Global Vsion in order to make the Bioteka meet the most modern standards and at the same time attempt to set a new “green” direction in the design of modern libraries, not only in Poland.

*International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

Innovative ideas

A cultural institution in the place of a cult inn – could it work?

The place itself has an interesting history, in the 1960s Fafik was established there, and then Karczma Słupska, which over several decades of operation earned cult status. There probably isn’t a resident of Lublin who wouldn’t associate it at least by name. After the closing of the inn, the premises stood empty for many years. There were more and more new ideas for development, and public expectations grew. The biggest challenge was the aforementioned public pressure. There were regular articles in the media causing speculation about what could or should be built at the site. To be honest, at first I was even apprehensive about the project because I knew it would be exposed to enormous criticism, but once we started designing we knew that something special had to be created in such a place. Creating a cultural institution in a place so firmly rooted, in the minds of Lublin residents, as a place of entertainment, I personally think is a very brave and right move.

Another innovative idea is, the librarians’ own idea, the Plant Swap flower shop. This is a twin idea to bookcrossing, only in this case Lublin residents exchange plants. Anyone can bring and leave any plant and take home another one in exchange. A special corner located just after the entrance to the library is designed for this purpose.

Social value

The greatest social value is that the citizens of Lublin have gained, in the very center of their city, a modern and “green” cultural institution, vigorously promoting all ideas related to ecology. Ecological education is carried out in interiors inspired by nature, which emphasizes the ideological consistency of Bioteka.

Another interesting initiative is the fact that all the plants in the Bioteka were collected in a social act from Lublin residents. This action was met with great interest from residents and undoubtedly deepened their bond with this place. Anyone can come to see “their” plants inside Bioteka.

Educational space

The library has been functionally divided so that different activities for different age groups can be carried out simultaneously. Greenery, appropriately placed bookcases and the location of individual zones ensure that acoustic interactions are reduced to a minimum. As a result, not only group workshops can be easily organized in the library, but also space for individual study has been provided. The program implemented by the librarians supports the idea of lifelong learning. In addition, educational and cultural initiatives proposed by local activists and NGO representatives are implemented. The combination of literature, technology and ecology makes the library a socially engaged space. This allows the local community to initiate educational processes.

Digitization

One of the important areas of the Library’s activities is raising digital competence in the community it serves. A computer room with 6 computer workstations has been designed in the library space. One of the workstations is adapted for people with disabilities (it is equipped with a contrast keyboard and Big Track). In addition, at the entrance to the library there is a multimedia station with a library catalog. It has also been adapted for the disabled. Borrowing and reserving of collections is carried out through the PROLIB library system. Library users can use tablets and educational robots Photon and Genibot. The library’s collection includes books with augmented reality applications. Workshops and trainings on digital competence are organized, as well as coding and programming workshops. In addition to an extensive stationary book collection, the library also offers access to e-books through the Legimi platform. There is also a service for scanning and coloring archival photographs brought by users.

Name of the project: Bioteka in Lublin
Investor: Hieronim Łopaciński Municipal Public Library in Lublin
Lead designer: Grzegorz Kłoda
Designers: Joanna Matuszek, Joanna Grygianiec
Area: 500 m²
Completion: 2021 r.
Photographs: Piotr Arnoldes
Scope: interior design project with author’s supervision, development of the name and logotype of the designed library