who are gathering there started getting curious and enter the library. Eventually, they grab a book and start reading. Nida, a frequent visitor of the Taman Bima Microlibrary mentioned in the “Taman Bima Microlibrary by TheAgaKhanAward” video that she goes to the microlibrary 2 or 3 times a week. “It is a better way to spend my spare time. I feel comfortable to be here because the environment is so cosy and there are so many books that I can read.” From the same video, it shows that a neighbourhood school nearby also uses the microlibrary once a week as an extension of their school’s curriculum as they do not have their own library in their school. The sheltered open space below the microlibrary serves as a space for resting and informal gatherings for both young and old. People also gather there for the wifi. Many more Microlibraries projects are being planned online. Fom the currently built fibonacci Microlibrary to helicoid Microlibrary. The project has also expanded from the city of Bandung to Bojonegoro and Semarang. This proves that SHAU is not only trying to help the Bandung population but also other parts of Indonesia, in hopes of creating a ripple effect to commmunities.
Discussions and Lessons Microlibraries such as Bima, Hanging Gardens and Warak Kayu have seen sucess thus far due to the carefully thought out design along with the huge support from funding partners and the publicity campaigns. With renowned companies such as Exxonmobil, IDF and Manila Water backing the project, the maintenance and continuation of services at the microlibraries are ensured. However, there are some other microlibraries with lesser funding and publicity that are neglected. Other well designed projects like the Selasar Microlibrary were unable to gain meaningful public traction at the time of writing of this report. Many of these projects also do not have sponsors currently. This further proves the importance of funding partners.
that is usually coupled with toilet in Indonesia may have resulted in less positive perception. SHAU also mentioned in the Kompasiana article that the project is tied with severe constraints such as funding and the perceived needs of the project. A more collaborative process is something SHAU is still striving to achieve in Indonesia. The 100 Microlibraries project is definitely a great idea where SHAU acts as the forerunner of social architecture and placemaking. They show the world that small spaces have the potential to have a large impact on the community. Massive gesture is not always required. Through understanding the needs and context of a place, these Microlibraries could drive the community towards a better future. In Singapore, social architecture is often associated with big gestures, such as Our Tampines Hub, Kampung Admiralty, and Bedok Heartbeat. These buildings provide public spaces in a more centralised manner and at a larger scale. The 100 Microlibraries approach of reimagining public spaces can inspire us to create smaller yet impactful, environmentally friendly spaces. Large public spaces that also serves limited geographical localities are often costly and require airconditioning. Perhaps if I were to have Microlibraries in Singapore, many students would not be seen studying in Starbucks or McDonalds.
The Microlibrary Lansia is another project that is subjected to criticism due to its less open design compared to other microlibraries. The floating box seems more enclosed than a open and outward looking public place, which might be the reason for its limited traction and usage. In addition, the infilled musholla 64