Library: Development of Integrated Design Strategies | 20.306 Integrated Building Design

LIBRARY: Development of Integrated Design Strategies 20.306 Integrated Building Design | Summer 2015 Clifford Mario Kosasih

CONTENTS

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Introduction ...........................................................4 Lighting Strategies ...............................................8 Heating, Ventilation and AC Strategies ...........16 ICT and Surveillance Strategies ......................26 Interior and Furniture Strategies .....................34 Social Integration Strategies ............................42 Conclusion ...........................................................48 References............................................................50

INTRODUCTION

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Over many decades, library has evolved in form and its requirements as technology advances and society progresses. To fit in the modern definition of a library, there needs to be a repository of books and other resources (i.e. journals, magazines, etc.), as well as conducive space for visitors to read and/or study comfortably. To be considered having a conducive space, a library should fulfil a few criteria: • sufficient level of light • satisfactory indoor air quality • functional plan with different quality of spaces; open and intimate • well-managed resources1 This report focuses on the development of library, with case studies dating back from the 19th century when Gothic as well as Renaissance architectures were booming and Industrial Revolution took place to the present times when the rapid rise of Information Technology (IT) and the widespread concern regarding building energy efficiency were ubiquitous.

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Edwards, B. (2009). Libraries and learning resource centres (2nd ed., p. 3). Oxford, UK: Architectural Press.

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There are five main sections examined in this report which is based on five different strategies employed in a library: • Lighting strategies • Ventilation strategies • ICT and surveillance strategies • Interior and furniture strategies • Social integration strategies CASE STUDIES With the help of three main case studies: Bibliothèque Nationale by Henri Labrouste (1870), Viipuri Library by Alvar Aalto (1935), and Singapore National Library by T.R. Hamzah and Ken Yeang (2005), this report would like to evaluate to what extent the notion of integrated design was employed in these different strategies across the different eras.

There are several reasons why these case studies are chosen. With its vast glass-iron reading room, Bibliothèque Nationale by Henri Labrouste influenced many modern library to a space that we know today. Similarly, Alvar Aalto’s Viipuri Library introduced the idea of free section, allowing natural lighting, continuous circulation as well as sufficient heating and ventilation strategies. After looking at two exemplary libraries from other parts of the world, the third case study, Singapore National Library, presents itself as an integrated learning centre with intelligent and cutting-edge technology, featuring bio-climatic design1.

Additionally, along with those three main case studies, there will be other examples discussed at varying depth where they are deemed relevant.

1 Redefining the library: The National Library of Singapore (p. 39). (2008). Singapore: GK Consultancy Private Limited.

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LIGHTING STRATEGIES

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Sufficient level of lighting is essential in providing a comfortable space for visitors to read and browse the materials. Nonetheless, the right balance must be obtained in order to regulate the amount of glare or direct sunlight that can penetrate through the building as well as between the amount of daylighting and artificial lighting. Often times, this lighting requirements are well-integrated with the structure and envelope of the building.

Bibliothèque Nationale Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale reading room integrates structure and enclosure together in the form of iron arches and circular glass ceiling that illuminates the space. It was the rise of industrialisation that brought iron as one of the most suitable building construction material at that time.

Here in Bibliothèque Nationale, sixteen cast-iron columns, arranged in a grid-like manner, extends all the way from the roof creating support iron arches to the dome and the glazing panels. The structure and envelope are integrated on a connected level where the sixteen cast-iron columns carry the arches. They are bolted together with screwed-on caps to hide

1. Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale reading room, with iron column and systems of arches as structure and glass opening at the roof for daylighting.

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2. The cross section of the domes and ceiling of the reading room in Bibliothèque Nationale, done by Leturc and Baudent contractors.

the joints. Additionally, the domes are equipped with double layer of glass, drawing sufficient daylighting to the reading room.1 Furthermore, the towering cast-iron column is an indispensable part of the interior space. Decorative elements on the column, wall painting and ceramic decorations on the ceiling are part of the structure and interior that is indistinguishable, resulting in an integration of a unified level between the structure and the interior.

Viipuri Library One of the main lighting strategies that is designed for Viipuri Library is the 57 roof windows of a diameter of 1.8 metres each in the main reading room. These grid skylights arrangement in the reading room provide a diffused naturally-lit environment that is devoid of shadows, suitable for an erratic weather with irregular sun exposure like Finland’s. The cross section shows how the skylight is meshed together within the roof, creating a raised platform for the depth of the skylight, needed for both insulation as well as diffused daylight condition.

The addition of artificial lighting on the roof answers the need for sufficient lighting during winter or night time. A connected level of integration is evident between the interior and mechanical system, where the artificial 1 Labrouste, H., Lier, C., & York, N. (2012). Henri Labrouste: Structure brought to light (p.

188). New York: Museum of Modern Art.

Š Getty grant report

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3. Skylights of Viipuri Library.

4. Section and detail of the skylight showing raised roof platform.

5. Interior space is well-lit with the combination of natural and artificial lighting.

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lighting creates similar effect of a diffused lighting by directing the spotlight upwards.

Singapore National Library Meanwhile, T.R. Hamzah and Ken Yeang’s Singapore National Library, with its glass enclosure and extensively louvered facade, provides an open and sufficiently lit interior spaces, yet it is still able to respond to the demand of the tropical climate through the reduction of solar heat gain and glare.

Right from the beginning of the design stage, reduction of solar heat gain is achieved by orientating the mass correctly, avoiding the hot east-west direction. It is further complemented by different facade treatments at every direction: north, south, east and west to cater to the various angles in which the sun in incident into the building all year round. All these is done in order to achieve a visually transparent building, reducing energy consumption in electrical lighting, while also minimise the unwanted excess of sun rays.

Not only the use of extensive facade treatment is in place, the integration of pockets of landscape elements also helps in reducing the energy consumption and minimising heat transfer in a building that is mostly cladded with glass to achieve a well-lit interior spaces.

6. Facade treatment is customised for all the different directions.

7. Sun rays incident on the facade is screened and reflected to the interior space providing a well-lit diffused interior space.

8. Axonometric of facade detail for Singapore National Library

Large metal blades are utilised at the north and south facade of the atrium prevent direct sunlight to enter, while reflecting diffused light to indirectly lit up the interior spaces. Crossing steel cables are employed to support these shading devices that protrude out 1.8m from the face of the building1. Meanwhile, the support and services area are located on the west facade to act as a buffer for the reading room and the book stacks so as to provide a comfortable environment while letting natural light enter the space and reducing the library’s dependency on artificial lighting.

In the case of Singapore National Library, the envelope is integrated at a connected level to the floor slab that sits on top of the steel structure. The aluminium frame holds the metal blades together, with low-E glass curtain wall also connected to frame.

1 Vassigh, S., & Chandler, J. (2011). Building systems integration for enhanced environmental performance. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: J. Ross Pub.

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Further Examples Philip Exeter Academy Library (1972) by Louis Kahn is another interesting example of how natural lighting becomes the main design approach for the entire library building. With Kahn’s recurring theme of light at the perimeter and dark in the centre, the plan of the library is organised such that the main reading area is placed at the edge, while the bookshelves are located further away from the perimeter. Additionally, in order to control the amount of light that enters the atrium, Kahn uses cross bracing structure below the roof, reflecting light that pours down from the atrium .

9. View of the roof and cross bracing structure from the atrium.

10. Detail of plan of second floor of Philip Exeter Library.

With the building construction material being concrete and bricks, it is evident that there is a unified level of integration between the structure and the envelope, in this manner, since the masonry wall acts as both structural support of the building and enclosure from external environment.

Moreover, geometric shapes are also cut out from this structure/enclosure to bring in sufficient natural lighting to the library space, making it a unified integration of natural lighting strategy with the structure/enclosure.

Similar with Philip Exeter Library, Foster and Partners’ Philology Library of the Free University (2005) in Berlin has a unified level of integration between its structure, enclosure and its strategy of dealing with natural lighting. It uses aluminium and glass panels that is supported by steel

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structure and lined with inner membrane of translucent glass to filter daylighting into the space, creating a well-distributed natural light in the interior space. It is interesting to note, however, the interior space is totally remote from the structure and the enclosure, unlike the Philip Exeter Library where the furniture is integrated well with the interior space and the structure of the building.

11. Section of the facade and enclosure.

12. Sectional perspective of the library.

Remarks It has been discussed to what extent different libraries’ natural lighting strategies is integrated with the structure, envelope, interior and mechanical systems. The fact that natural lighting is a major concern for a library design, different case studies presented previously have tackled this issue in different ways. With the most common strategy being an integration of structure, enclosure and natural lighting at the unified level, library design has evolved from a simple skylight opening supported by castiron structure to a visually transparent/translucent design with specifically chosen material as the enclosure.

It seems like library design has followed the trend of a visually transparent building, that has been rising since the 20th century. While it may be a suitable solution to let as much daylight in to the interior space of a library, it must be noted that facade treatment becomes an important aspect of the design, in order to control the amount of light that enters and reduce solar heat gain. This can be done by adding another layer of facade or by carefully selected materialw

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HEATING, VENTILATION, AC STRATEGIES

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Natural ventilation is generally preferable in a public space. However, libraries require certain security needs, including from the outside environment, theft, and termites, that may be compromised when natural ventilation is achieved. This results in many libraries adopting a mixedmode ventilation strategy where both natural and mechanical ventilation is used. When mechanical Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems need to be installed, the library’s energy consumption is multiplied, denying it from the opportunity to be energy efficient.

Therefore, architects need to find a balance between passive strategies to enhance the ventilation through the interior spaces and the integration of mechanical ventilation with structure, enclosure or the interior.

Bibliothèque Nationale Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale reading room provides necessary heating system for the visitors as it is meant to be opened till the night time.

The heating system is centrally controlled with heat emitters integrated to the base of the perimeter columns. This illustrates a meshed level of

13. Design phase 1 to 4 of Viipuri Library by Alvar Aalto, showing how the design has evolved from just a single massing, to a section-driven double massing that helps the ventilation of the interior space.

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14. Detail of heat emitters at the bottom of the bookshelves that is attached to iron columns.

Heating pipes shown running through the cross section of the reading table in Bibliothèque Nationale.

integration between the mechanical system with the structure, as the piping and the vents are occupying the same space with the structure.

The ambient heating from these heat emitters is also supported by hot water pipes that are integrated to the reading tables. Again, meshed level of integration is observed here where the hot water piping runs through the furniture, providing a supplemental heating for the readers.

It is interesting to note that the development of heating system for the Bibliothèque Nationale stems from the changes in social paradigm and conception about library at that time. The general population was ready to make full use of public institutions such as libraries throughout different times of the day and different seasons of the year. Thus, it was brought to Labrouste’s attention that heating system and gas lighting system is essential in making the library a successful public place.

Viipuri Library Viipuri’s Library incorporates exterior double walls and enclosed heating pipes that is concealed within the ceiling to provide warmth and ventilation

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through the interior spaces. The free flow section helps the natural ventilation to stream in through the complex interlocking spaces.

Additionally, Aalto had also incorporated under-ceiling radiant heating, hidden within the space between the roof and the ceiling, that is also used to accommodate the depth of the skylight discussed earlier. Other than that, mechanical ventilation system is also introduced from the ceiling. It is then evident that the thick volumetric roof slab that caps the whole mass act as an integrated lighting, heating and ventilation system in a meshed level.

It is however made unclear whether the mechanical ventilation system really reached the readers who occupy the space a few meters below the ventilation ducts, because based on basic physics, hot air does not sink. A research project was done by Ulrike Passe to investigate the effectiveness of the open section in providing natural ventilation to Viipuri Library1. The result shows that under passive cooling case, a breeze of 2.2 m/s at 20o C actually entered the building from north-east facing main entrance. The simulation was done with opening the side door upstairs to generate a small pressure difference through the building to start the air movement.

1 Passe, U. (2012). Alvar Aalto’s open plan architecture as an environmental technology device. Seinäjoki: Alvar Aalto Museum.

15. Thick volumetric roof slab is essential to conceal heating system piping as well as the radiant heating, while providing ample space for the skylight to diffuse natural lighting into the space.

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16. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of the internal wind flow of the Viipuri Library.

17. Singapore National Library uses both natural and mechanical ventilation systems to provide fresh air to circulate throughout the building

The simulation also took into account normal operative temperature that was set at 27o C to demonstrate the heat gain from the operational limitations. Thus, this simulation actually shows how the open section that was developed by Aalto in Viipuri Library works in order to provide a naturally ventilated space.

Singapore National Library Singapore National Library employs both natural and mechanical ventilation for different purposes. Public plazas and sky gardens are naturally ventilated while most of the interior space is mechanically airconditioned. Zoned climate control system is used to adjust the interior temperature based on the comfort level in different areas within the building depending on the function.

There are three different “modes� that exist in the different spaces within the building. Full mode is operated in the library collections, study areas and theatre, where fully air-conditioning system is run throughout the operating hours. Mixed mode is employed in transitional spaces, by using a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation systems to achieve a comfortable range. Lastly, passive mode is used in the semi-enclosed

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atrium throughout the year. As a fully naturally ventilated space, the atrium needs to be oriented carefully to maximise the prevailing wind and allow fresh air to circulate and cool the space. Mechanical system of glass louvers is designed to open and close, regulating the stack effect to extract hot air up and exit the space1.

As shown by the section of the facade, the mechanical ventilation system is integrated under the floor slab and above the false ceiling in a meshed level. This is usually done to conceal any unwanted pipes and ducts that can be seen by the general users of the space.

Further Examples Henri Labrouste’s other library project, Bibliothèque Saint Genevieve, (1838-1850) incorporated heating elements into the bookshelves that is embedded into the enclosure walls. These heating outlets are connected with a network of heating and ventilation ducts arranged at the basement level. This is to ensure that hot air actually originates from lower floor, and it can natural flow through convection as hot air rises. This shows the integration at meshed level between the mechanical ventilation and the interior of the reading room as the outlet is neatly stored underneath the bookcases.

18. Section of the facade and floor system, showing the meshed level of integration of the mechanical ventilation strategies into the structure.

Similarly, in Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre (2011) by Helen & Hard, the mechanical HVAC system is integrated into the interior and structure of the building on a meshed level. There are in total of 27 ribs that make up the interior space, containing air conditioning ducts, acoustic absorbents, bent glass panes that serve as lighting covers and signs as well as reading pods and niches. The integration of structure, mechanical system, interior and envelope into one architectural gesture results in a bold spatial quality that marks the identity of Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre. Integrating HVAC systems into interior furniture, in this case bookshelves, has proven to be a novel way of creating a comfortable space that directly affects the users as opposed to installing it further away from the users, such as on the ceiling.

1 Vassigh, S., & Chandler, J. (2011). Building systems integration for enhanced environmental performance. Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.: J. Ross Pub.

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19. Elevation of the bookcases in Bibliothèque Saint Genevieve that stood between the central columns of the reading rooms, incorporating the heating outlet.

20. First floor, ground floor and basement plans of Bibliothèque Saint Genevieve showing the layout of the heating and ventilating ducts that circulate air for the upper floors.

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Remarks The need for a comfortable space for reading in a library is essential in order to ensure the success of the library as a public institution. Ventilation strategies can be done in both passive and active ways, as seen in the various case studies, many buildings have taken the passive approach as much as possible before undertake the active approach of installing HVAC systems. When HVAC systems are installed, there are usually higher levels of integration with the structure and envelope as compared with interior furniture. Nonetheless, innovative designs can push the level of integration further by integrating the HVAC systems to the interior furniture as well.

21. Reading pod is located in between the two bookcases that integrates the structure and airconditioning duct below.

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22. Axonometric view showing the integration of structure, envelope, mechanical system and furniture.

ICT AND SURVEILLANCE STRATEGIES

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With the rapid development of communication and IT (ICT), design of libraries have been transformed to integrate this aspect with their basic requirements. Different aspects of ICT which include catalogue system, digital library, security and surveillance system, as well as internal operational communication system, may be something the present generation have taken for granted. Finding a book in a library could be relatively longer than what it takes today, as the spatial arrangement of shelves and the placement of the librarian’s desk are instrumental in the process of getting a book. Furthermore, security measures were integrated in the plan and spatial arrangement of the library, as opposed to the present times where cutting-edge security systems are employed heavily.

Bibliothèque Nationale Henri Labrouste used spatial allocation and layout to address the concern of security and surveillance systems in Bibliothèque Nationale by separating the reading public and the librarians through the monumental hemicycle.

Similarly, catalogue system was mainly centralized at the librarians’ desk

23. Singapore National Library integrates wireless networks and high-speed multimedia cabling infrastructure networks to complement the rich repository of physical resources, providing a more comprehensive knowledge and resource centre for the visitors.

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24. Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale plan shows the separation of reading room and the staff, where the latter is given a separate spatial hierarchy to signify their importance in the role of cataloguing and surveillance

which is contained within the hemicycle. Labrouste uses different spatial hierarchy to emphasise on the catalogue desk by expanding the desk into an architectural space that asserts its significance as compared to the reading room.

25. Viipuri’s Library plan shows the different spaces inside the building with manageable size within acceptable view range of the librarian.

Viipuri Library Similarly in Viipuri Library, it employs spatial arrangement in dealing with the requirements of cataloguing, security and surveillance. Librarians are placed such that they have full view of the reading space and the bookshelves.

Singapore National Library Singapore National Library employs many intelligent IT systems to automate various aspects of library’s daily operations, such as borrowing and returning books, as well as online catalogue of books. Apart from that, the library also employs integrated user-friendly and intelligent building systems, such as:

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Plan level 0 | S 1:500

Plan level 1 | S 1:500

Plan level 2 | S 1:500

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26. Library e-kiosk located at the main lobby of Singapore National Library for easy access and visibility from public.

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Intelligent automated systems through the combination of Infocommunications Technology (ICT) system with the security, mechanical and electrical systems of the building which is hidden from public’s view.

Advanced technological systems and applications to achieve a border-less library environment. All these are possible with the incorporation of high-speed multimedia cabling infrastructure networks within the library itself1.

All these technologies are also enhanced by the library’s pioneering move to employ RFID chips on the shelves and the collections (books, journals, etc.), improving the readers’ experience in borrowing and returning books.

These advanced ICT and surveillance systems are all integrated with the interior of the library, with surveillance cameras, automated gantry system, and e-kiosk located within the library.

1 Redefining the library: The National Library of Singapore. (2008). Singapore: National Library Board.

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Further examples Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Saint Genevieve utilizes similar strategy as Bibliothèque Nationale by integrating the role of cataloguing and surveillance to the librarian with the help of spatial arrangement and interior/furnishing that stands out, in order for easy reference. It is then enhanced by giving the catalogue pride of place in the reading room.

In contrast with that, Louis Kahn’s Philip Exeter Library initially allocated prominent spot inside Rockefeller Hall, where that is the first thing that visitors will see after climbing the main staircase. The card catalogue is a huge architectural furnishing, that used to be an important feature of the library. However, since 1994, when the online catalogue went live, there has not been a card that was added to the catalogue. What is available instead is computer sets to “replace” this manual cataloguing system. The library, nonetheless, has decided to keep the catalogue shelf as it was once a significant piece of the library’s history.

27. Bibliothèque Saint Genevieve`librarian desk.

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28. Card catalogue system that was abandoned after the online catalogue went live.

Remarks It is interesting to see the development of cataloguing and surveillance system being influenced greatly by the advancement of ICT. The earlier case studies utilise, mainly, spatial arrangement in plan to place the cataloguing and surveillance system at a prominent spot that can be seen by the visitors easily. This is also intended for the librarian to be able to monitor the activities of the visitors during their visits. Nonetheless, although library has greatly evolved due to societal and technology influence, this strategy of using spatial arrangement as the first design decision is still employed.

With the rise of information technology, intelligent system for cataloguing, borrowing and returning books becomes more ubiquitous. All these systems can also be integrated well with the surveillance system of closecircuit television (CCTV) cameras as what Singapore National Library has done to ensure the safety and experience of the visitors.

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INTERIOR AND FURNITURE STRATEGIES

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Ultimately, library design needs to be human-centric in order to provide the most comfortable experience for the visitors. Not only that, it also needs to accommodate visitors’ need to navigate easily throughout the whole building through a clear and logical spatial arrangement of the different spaces inside the library. When other additional programs are concerned, the interior design and finishes needs to enhance particular program so as to complement the primary use of the library.

Bibliothèque Nationale Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale reading room integrates structure and interior furnishings such as the decorative column and the iron bookshelves. As discussed earlier, the interior furnishings also housed the mechanical system such as heating and ventilation ducts that is used to provide a comfortable reading space. Furthermore, the interior spatial arrangement also helps with the cataloguing and surveillance systems better.

29. Alvar Aalto’s particularity in ensuring coherence in his design on all levels, from building massing, interior spaces to the architectonic details of furnishing is evident in Viipuri Library.

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30. Henri Labrouste’s Bibliothèque Nationale interior finishing.

Iron decorative elements are embedded into the base of the cast iron columns as well as the arches above. Furthermore, the bookshelves are neatly arranged at the perimeter of the reading room, integrating it with the envelope of the building.

Viipuri Library Alvar Aalto designed his own interior furnishings and furniture so as to be coherent with the overall design intention. However, it is mostly remote from the other systems. The particular arrangement of the seatings of the lecture hall is purposely set in order to influence the behaviour of the audience. The seats in the first few rows are made more comfortable with

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back rest as well as arm rest, as compared to the seats at the last few rows where stools are in placed instead.

Furthermore, interior finishing also involves the undulating ceiling for the hall which was designed to enhance the acoustic of the space. However, recent studies suggest that it may have been working the opposite of what was originally intended. Nonetheless, the wavy ceiling may not have been entirely driven by form and aesthetics only, as Aalto tried to prove the form by drawing acoustical diagrams1. It also acts as a cover up for structural beams and mechanical systems that are installed below the ceiling.

1 Blundell Jones, P. and Kang, J. (2003) Acoustic form in the Modern Movement. arq: Architectural Research Quarterly, 7 (1). pp. 75-85.

31. Lecture hall inside Alvar Aalto’s Viipuri Library with specially designed and arranged furniture as well as undulating ceiling.

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32. Acoustical diagram of the undulating ceiling and how it is supposed to work.

Singapore National Library

T.R. Hamzah and Ken Yeang’s Singapore National Library interior design criteria includes flexibility and ease of maintenance, which leads them to use a modular furniture system while still serving the need of the visitors.

The National Library’s interior is designed with the image of the library in mind, as it is supposed to provide a comfortable and conducive learning environment for everyone.

The different spaces within the library are given its own unique spatial character through the interior furnishing choices. There is a sense of sophistication in the lobby, buzz in the public lending library, vibrancy in the Drama Centre and tranquillity in the reference library1. All these interior choices and furnishings are mostly on a touching level of integration with the structure and enclosure.

Further Examples In Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre by Helen & Hard, the bookshelves, the reading tables and chairs are all integrated into one rib that also becomes the structure for the building. While Foster and Partners’ Philology Library of the Free University (2005) in Berlin has its interior functions such as the reading and studying area as well as the bookshelves detached from the structure and envelope.

1 Redefining the library: The National Library of Singapore. (2008). Singapore: National Library Board.

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33. Interior furnishings of the Singapore National Library

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34. In Vennesla Library and Cultural Centre, reading pods, benches and bookshelves are all integrated into one rib that runs across the space.

Remarks Interior furnishings are essential in providing the most comfort and convenience for the visitors of these libraries. The integration of interior with structure, mechanical systems and envelope is not as commonly found as the other integration schemes. However, there are definitely many opportunities to specifically design an interior that integrates with the structure and mechanical systems.

Nonetheless, although the integration between interior and other systems can demonstrate a highly sophisticated design, it may pose other problems in terms of ease of maintenance and flexibility of space.

There are definitely less flexibility in Vennesla Library as compared to in Singapore National Library in terms of the use of space, because the former uses interior furnishings that are well-integrated in the structure and mechanical systems. Therefore, there are definitely pro and cons regarding well-integrated interior furnishings in library.

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35. Interior view of the Philology Library of the Free University showing the separation between interior dynamic floor plates and the envelope.

SOCIAL INTEGRATION STRATEGIES

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In the late 19th century, as society became more literate and aware of the needs of knowledge, library had opened up its doors to become a more public space rather than an enclose private institution. It strives to be well-connected to the urban fabric, so as to provide easy access for everyone to come to the library. Well-integrated public transport, pedestrian network and universal design are also important to ensure inclusive library environment. Additionally, provision of public plaza that is easily accessible aims to enliven the ground plane, which results in a more vibrant and integrated society. Furthermore, the addition of other programs such as hall, auditorium or even cultural centre strengthen the image of a library as a civic building.

Bibliothèque Nationale Henri Labrouste provided adequate heating and ventilation for the public to use the space at night in Bibliothèque Nationale. French Revolution triggered the confiscation and nationalisation of religious an aristocratic libraries, which results in the development of library science. It discussed the integral role of cataloguing, security and surveillance in relation to

36. Naturally ventilated public plaza on the ground floor of Singapore National Library does not only host community events, but also performs as a platform for meeting point due to its central location and comfortable environment.

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37. Inauguration of the New Reading Room at Bibliothèque Nationale, 15 June 1868.

38. Auditorium of Viipuri Library that is well-integrated with the programmatic distribution of the library. The undulating ceiling enhances the acoustic performance of the space.

39. Naturally-lit and naturallyventilated public plaza with shops and cafes along the street.

The view from the reading rooms of the library down.

the shift in people’s perception of public institution of library. It also highlighted the separation of reading room from the book storage spaces.

In all, the library science opens up opportunities for libraries to become a public place, as it is today.

Henri Labrouste’s design for Bibliothèque Nationale considered this aspects of public factor, as shown in the sheer size of the reading room to accommodate public’s eagerness to maximise the library.

Viipuri Library Alvar Aalto included auditorium and spacious entrance foyer to allow the library to act as a civic building with events targeted to society; to be more than just a library. Also, he put significant thought on the interior and

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acoustic of the auditorium, showing the importance of this program to be weaved in to the library.

Singapore National Library Singapore National Library was designed to be the epitome of knowledge, culture and vibrant literate society of Singapore. Multiple public sky gardens, highly sought off public plaza and the inclusion of drama centre have strengthened the library’s role in the social fabric. Its ground floor is dedicated to open public plaza with cafÊs and shops located within its vicinity. Furthermore, the addition of Drama Centre in the National Library itself shows government’s commitment to make the National Library the cultural centre for Singapore.

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40. Naturally-lit and naturallyventilated public plaza with shops and cafes along the street.

The view from the reading rooms of the library down.

Its central location and high accessibility via public transport, private cars or even walk-ability also contribute to the increase in visitors since its completion in 2005. With its large catalogue of resources, ranging from books, journals, magazines and audio-visual items, Singapore National Library has been successful in attracting visitors from various demographics make up: students, working professionals, or even its senior citizens.

Further examples Vancouver Public Library (1995) by Moshe Safdie integrates cafe, mall, public square and government office in it, making it a vibrant public space.

It is located in the eastern portion of the Vancouver Central Business District (CBD) with local bus routes that connects the library with the rest of the city. In addition, Three SkyTrain stations are located within walking distance from the library, increasing the its accessibility. Similarly, Main Public Library of Vienna (2003) by Ernst Mayr is well-integrated with the major subway line at Urban-Loritz-Platz. The library manages to become the centre of public activities, with staircases that connect the subway and the rooftop as a casual urban meeting point.

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Remarks Social integration is one of the factors that can determine the success of a library. Its role in the urban fabric should be enhanced by providing ample public amenities nearby as well as public transit systems. With all these in place, there is an increasing opportunity for the public to visit the library, activating a space that used to be seen as something that is institutional and enclosed.

With inclusion of other programs within the library, it encourages public to visit the library more often as well. Programs such as lecture hall, drama centre, or even shopping malls have been integrated at various case studies discussed above, and all of them have proven to be successful in attracting crowds, making libraries an open public place.

41. Major subway line is integrated into Main Public Library in Vienna increasing its accessibility.

CONCLUSION

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Libraries have definitely evolved from as far back as 19th century to the present times. It was greatly influenced by societal change, perception shift about library, advancement of building technology and construction material, as well as rapid development of ICT. All these have posed different challenges on meeting the demands of sufficient lighting condition, comfortable and satisfactory indoor air quality, functional and logical plans, as well as well-managed resources. However, different libraries have managed to address the issues in its own way, in reference to the current development in society and technology at that point of time.

Lastly, the rapid development of ICT will definitely change the future of libraries. Its use in online cataloguing system, virtual library or even electronic databases have posed another challenge to physical existence of library. However, despite the rise of ICT and technology, I believe that physical library is still absolutely necessary in relation to its role within the urban fabric and society. With various limitations of ICT, physical existence of library is indispensable in providing a society with a reliable and extensive repository of knowledge.

REFERENCES

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Blundell Jones, P. and Kang, J. (2003) Acoustic form in the Modern Movement. arq: Architectural Research Quarterly, 7 (1). pp. 75-85.

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