Maria Pielach, Ewa Szymanska and Jedwabny, students of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the University of Arts in Poznan, created a design for a reading space combined with a city bookcase, which, thanks to its modular design, can be adapted to the space.
The "Book Stop" project took part in the competition titled. "Portable Reading Rooms" organized by Bee Breeders, with the participation of Archhive Books. The submitted concepts were to be portable objects of small architecture, based on the principle of modular structure, allowing adaptation in different spaces. The organizers also noted the need to analyze the idea of the idea in the context of reading and the use of ecological construction solutions. The competition tasks also included the development of an identification system in the form of a name and a graphic sign.
The reading room with a bookcase consists of a layout of a repeated basic module
© Maria Pielach, Ewa Szymańska, Jędrzej Jedwabny
reading room for everyone
The students began their work on the project by answering the questions of what reading is for them and what meaning it has for society. Translating the answers into design language, they decided to construct the bookcase along with the reading space in such a way that it would be attractive and accessible to everyone, including the youngest users. As the authors state:
We believe that an appropriate reading space, which is a place for the exchange of culture and views, enriches the urban fabric, providing a sense of community and eliminating divisions.
multiplied modules
"Book Stop" is a place that provides an opportunity to stop, relax and read surrounded by nature, even in an urban space. The reading room, along with the bookcase, consists of a layout of a repeated basic module, which is also a multiplication based on scale. The geometric form and the consistency of its use gives the possibility of numerous connections, configurations that create both centric and linear layouts, open and hidden spaces. The system of combinations of modules allows to adapt the object also to the demanding space. An important element of the design are plants with air-purifying properties, harmoniously corresponding with the reading and urban space.
Composite board is the main construction material
© Maria Pielach, Ewa Szymańska, Jędrzej Jedwabny
caring for the environment
The main construction material of the reading room is composite board, which allows the use of recycled materials and, being generally available, reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. In addition, it is a material that is resistant to diverse weather conditions and undemanding in terms of maintenance. The books have been protected with hygroscopic inserts and a film to reduce sunlight. The bookcase also includes space for board games and cushions. The attractive form of the object and the varying heights of the shelves invite children to interact. The authors also designed bicycle racks. The proposed solution replicates the form of the reading room in the projection. Thanks to its appropriate height, it gives the possibility to secure both bicycles and other city vehicles, such as scooters.
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illustrations courtesy of Maria Pielach,
Ewa Szymańska and Jędrzej Jedwabny
