New Horizon Library in Kraśnik

Modernization inspired by the idea of the third place.

The concept of the third place is used in Western Europe and increasingly in Poland to promote the library as a friendly place associated with leisure time and responsibilities. This fact prompted us to make an in-depth analysis of the situation of libraries in Poland and Europe. After preliminary research, it turned out that no library inspired strictly by the idea of the third place has been created so far, so we concluded that we would undertake to design the first public library in Poland, and perhaps in Europe, fully inspired by the idea of the third place. But this idea had to be “dressed” in something. The idea came when I was sipping coffee in one of Wrocław’s cafes, “how about designing the entire library space in the style of a trendy café with a garden?”. The idea seems right, especially in these strange, post-pandemic times where very often, looking for peace, breathing space or meetings with friends, we just go to climate cafes. Ba! Cafes are also often places for remote work….

PS. Part of this project was created while working remotely from…cafes!

What is the idea of a third place?

“Third place – a term used to describe a place in public space that separates the living environment of home and work. The term was first used in 1989 by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his book The Great Good Place.” – Wikipedia

“A “third place” is a place of rest – not only from work, but also from the daily routines performed. It is a neutral space where we spend our free time, meet friends, relax after professional work, household chores, take a breather over a cup of coffee (tea), observe and show off to others. “Third places” reinforce in us a sense of belonging to our surroundings and bonds with others – people we know or are potentially close to. They are places where the life of the local community pulses, where new ideas are born, where values that are important in a given environment are perpetuated or evolve. – Agnieszka Koszowska “The Third Place” according to Ray Oldenburg

New Horizon Library in Kraśnik

In 2022, we were selected to carry out the interior design of the Kraśnik Municipal Public Library as part of a larger project to modernize the entire library. Director Michal Zimowski and Coordinator Dorota Dziewa were delighted with the inspiration we presented, and we had no choice but to proceed with the design. The reason for giving an individual name to the designed library is that local communities are more likely to identify themselves and give more sympathy to establishments with an individual character. It can be said that the name is the name, and the logotype is the face of such an institution. The name, New Horizon Library, is intended to draw attention to one of the original functions of the library, namely to stimulate the imagination of users. At the same time, it shows that the new institution is thoroughly modern and friendly to the modern user and is an indispensable place supporting him in expanding his horizons, passions and interests.

Architectural quality

The interior design project is part of a larger project involving the modernization of the entire library. The modernization included: thermal modernization, replacement of windows with more energy-efficient ones, photovoltaics, modernization of internal installations so that the facility is energy efficient. An important point was also the adaptation of the entire building for the disabled, for this purpose, among other things, an elevator was installed. As a studio, we are responsible for the interior design project and the name of the new library. In the future, new landscaping is planned in the immediate vicinity of the library. A concert shell, a playground and recreation areas.

In designing the New Horizon Library, we decided to take a very unusual approach. We divided users into three personality types: introverts, extroverts and the intermediate type. We decided that each of the three main rooms would be designed for a different type of user.

The first large room located on the first floor of the building, which we call the room for introverts, is organized to give a sense of intimacy and a kind of intimacy. It features U-shaped “lodges” where you can spend time alone, doing homework, reading a book or, for example, with your immediate family. The lodges also provide opportunities for active time in small groups. In the brightest area by the windows there are swings, where we can take our imagination back to carefree childhood times while gazing at the greenery outside the window. This is also the room in which the largest part of the book collection is gathered.

The second room, also located on the first floor but in the opposite wing, is designed for the intermediate type of user. The focal point is a modern, circular reception counter that gives a sense of better contact with the librarian. Café “tree” tables with high seats were placed around the counter. In contrast, the rest of the library’s book collection has been gathered against the walls, but definitely smaller than in the introvert room. The room’s space is mainly open with a few intimate “nooks and crannies” between the bookcases, separated by decorative fins that form the shape of arches. This motif is regularly repeated in the library space. This organization of space makes the room universal. It can be treated as a reading room, at the same time, thanks to its open character, users can interact with each other as well as with the librarian. An introvert who wants to read a book at a table will find it perfect, as well as an extrovert who likes the female reader sitting at the table next to him. Such a space fosters relationships between members of the local community. In this room, one can already see a much greater reference to the inspiration of the café as evidenced by the high tables and chairs.

We call the third room the room for extroverts. Its layout already allows the organization of activities in large groups, and modular furniture designed to size allows you to arrange the space according to your needs. The furniture can also be brought out obtaining a completely open space. In this room, located on the first floor of the building, there is also a bar with high chairs, where users can enjoy coffee and tea, and it allows to serve participants during organized activities. At the opposite end of the room, we designed a space where author’s evenings, meetings with interesting people or performances by local artists can take place. The room is also open to the local community, which means that they can take the initiative and organize activities in this space according to their own ideas. Importantly, there are no books in this room.

The first floor of the building also includes a multimedia room with 6 mobile computer workstations and a large TV for presentations, a room for board games and small group activities, and a room for the youngest children. The room for the youngest is a bit on the small side because we wanted the kids to feel comfortable there, and the potential noise would not disturb the library or irritate other users. Another interesting feature is a small climbing wall in the children’s room that has been very popular since the first days. The children’s room also has a book collection designed for this age group, as well as toys and equipment necessary for games and activities.

Also worth noting is the architectural detailing, which in this case is the unobtrusive greenery scattered throughout the library and wallpaper with floral motifs.

Innovative ideas

Undoubtedly, the most innovative idea is the very inspiration and approach to design. Moving away from the traditional model of library design, that is, an even distribution of the book collection in the library space. Instead, focusing on creating three different spaces for three different personality types of users. Ensuring that each reader finds a space that suits his or her needs and character.

Another innovative idea is to base the library’s arrangement on a café model. This makes the user move away from the stereotypical perception of the library as an outdated cultural institution, which is quite common in Poland, and begin to feel free and comfortable as in a familiar café space. The model also encourages the establishment of relationships and the building of local ideas that bind the community together.

Awards

BNH is the winner of the international German Design Award 2024 in the Excellent Architecture – Interior Architecture category, organized by the German Design Council.

It was also awarded in the prestigious Polish Property Design Awards 2024 in the category: Design – Interiors – Public Facilities. The results were announced at the Awards Gala at the International Congress Center in Katowice on January 25, 2024.

Social value

The greatest social value is that the residents of Kraśnik have gained, in the very center of their city, a modern and innovative cultural institution, which resiliently engages, among other things, in promoting ideas related to ecology. The New Horizon Library is a co-organizer of the Eco Festival organized periodically in Kraśnik. Classes are held on environmental protection, waste segregation or educating in the broad field of recycling, not just garbage.

Another interesting initiative is the “Library at Home”, “Library at the Nursing Home”, and “Library at the Community Care Center” activities, consisting of librarians personally delivering books to people unable to come to the library for various reasons. These include the elderly but also disabled children, the sick or those requiring constant care.

The library also cultivates local traditions by, among other things, organizing workshops on making floral garlands or creating local bread baking and pickling cucumbers.

Educational space

After the renovation, the space for activities organized by librarians and locals doubled. 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 the various 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 New Horizon Library’s activities is the improvement of digital competence in the community it serves. A computer room with 6 computer workstations has been designed in the library space. The stations are adapted for people with disabilities. Borrowing and reserving collections is done through the ALMA library system. Library users can use educational tablets. 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.

IFLA’s Global Vision and the goals of Agenda 2030

Agenda 2030 and IFLA’s Global Vision are implemented at the Kraśnik City Library especially through educational and informational activities. Its collections, infrastructure and equipment allow it to conduct a wide range of educational activities for different age and social groups. Workshops and trainings are conducted (both online and offline) in relation to ecology, critical approach to information, development of digital competence (including digital security and digital well-being) and education for tolerance. The library is an egalitarian place, open to every user. Thanks to architectural and digital accessibility and the accessibility of the collection, education of people with disabilities is also supported. Activities are carried out that animate, activate and integrate the local community. In addition, librarians educate people from all over the country through online activities. At the library, one will find traditional collections of books, music, vinyl records, e-books, audiobooks, movies and board games. Users also have access to digital equipment, i.e. computers, tablets, laptops, etc. Librarians are constantly improving their competence at national and international training courses and seminars, and are inspired by good practices from around the world. Lending and reservation of collections is carried out through the ALMA library system. The New Horizon Library, inspired by the idea of a third place and a modern cafe, has become a local educational and cultural hub and a favorite meeting place for the local community.

Name of the project: New Horizon Library in Kraśnik
Investor: Municipal Public Library in Kraśnik
Lead designer: Grzegorz Kłoda
Designer: Justyna Baran
Area: 500 m²
Completion: 2023 r.
Photographs: Grzegorz Wasylko
Scope: interior design project with author’s supervision, development of the name of the designed library