Metroteka

The very fact of creating a library in the space of an urban subway is a direct reference to the best global library practices. It is only worth mentioning that such facilities exist in such great metropolises as London, New York, Beijing, Mexico City, Istanbul or Prague. The creation of library branches in places of this type is nothing more than the materialization of a very important idea, libraries along the way. Libraries of this type meet the expectations of the modern user. Often busy, being in a permanent hurry. A user living in a big city, who has his day planned with clockwork precision. Often in this rush there is no room for spontaneity, and even the smallest change involves a change in daily routine. A library on the way is one that literally stands in the way of the user. It may be located at a subway station, train station or near another transportation hub. This kind of accessibility means that a busy user doesn’t have to give up his daily routine to stop by the library. He can do it on his way to work or on his way home from work. It’s also important that the opening hours of such an establishment be adapted to the framework of this idea. As designers, we decided that the best means of expression in terms of design language in this case would be parametric technology. This technology is so innovative in Polish public space that it is actually almost unheard of. It was also important for us to preserve the open character of the library space, the so-called open space. We decided to use several architectural treatments to optically enlarge the relatively small space of the Metroteka. In the uppermost reception area there are parametric trees designed to give a sense of cathedral-likeness straight from the world of fantasy. In the deeper part of the library, we can have the feeling of being in a tunnel made of vertical shelving elements. The narrowing risers lead our gaze straight to the place where all sorts of activities will be organized from author’s evenings to exhibitions of local artists’ work. In addition, the user’s attention will be drawn to a certain fact, perhaps not obvious at first glance. However, when we realize that Mediateka is one of the really few libraries in the world that will not have two of the same shelves, we will certainly realize its uniqueness and uniqueness. Each shelf is an organic ribbon with a unique wavy pattern stretching the entire length of the rooms. The children’s zone is also a space with parametric DNA, while created in a slightly different way. There is a bit more greenery and decorative light in it. On the floor you’ll find carpeting, so that the youngest will be able to exploit Metroteka’s favorite space without restraint. In the library we will also find such functionalities as a hydroponics or a coffee or chocolate machine. In the case of Metroteka it is difficult to talk about a specific inspiration. Its arrangement is rather an attempt to create a universal space devoid of literalism and explicit references. At the same time, it deeply stimulates the imagination and allows each user to decide into the world of what story he or she will move when crossing the threshold of Metroteka.

The Metroteka will feature such amenities as:

• self check for independent, contactless lending
• a personalized smart coffee machine
• small-scale hydroponic cultivation led by Dr. Kamila Rak
• a reception area
• adult zone
• zone for children
• zone for author’s meetings
• social and technical part

Name of the project: Metroteka
Investor: Public Library in the Targówek District of Warsaw
Lead designer: Grzegorz Kłoda
Designer: Justyna Baran
Area: 145 m²
Completion: 2025
Scope: interior design project with author’s supervision,