Libraries
November 5, 2024

studio HINGE designs Library as a ‘Forest of Knowledge’ reimagining columns as trees and incorporating an organic layout

Designed for the Cricket Club of India, the library has been designed to be contemporary, inclusive and an environmentally conscious space.

Project: Forest of Knowledge

Location:
India

Architects:
studio HINGE

Typology:
Libraries

Area: 4500ft²

Year: 2023

Designed for the Cricket Club of India, Forest of Knowledge is designed drawing inspiration from nature, focusing on design that makes it a contemporary, inclusive, and environmentally conscious space. The layout resembling a formal garden, leads the user across the freestanding bookshelves in circular hedge-like arrangements.

Initially invited to design the library at a different location, the site was later relocated to the fourth floor of the administrative building of the Cricket Club. Despite the new challenges the location posed, some of the elements of the original design were retained.

The architect and team noted the decreasing number of people visiting libraries, depending on digital platforms, and the lack of basic and much-required facilities in libraries like sufficient light, and washrooms. The team addresses these concerns and incorporates design elements that would make the reader want to spend more time in the library.

Existing concrete columns are reimagined as trees, with circular bookshelves in Western Hemlock, supported on arching branches that reference the geometry of the pavilion’s colonnade along the cricket ground. The branches are of 16mm thick timber clad over 20mm square hollow box sections in steel (these also serve as conduits, avoiding the need for a suspended ceiling). The branches intertwine overhead, forming intricately woven meshes below the beams, recreating the sense of walking under trees with dappled light filtering through canopies above. Custom terrazzo flooring tiles with chips of marble and green glass create abstract patterns of scattered leaves.

The windows facing the East and North were enlarged, and the area in front of them was cleared, with a significant portion now designed to be openable, to bring in more natural light and ventilation, also reducing the need for artificial means.

The freestanding bookshelves are kept at a height of approximately 1.2 meters, allowing natural light to flow through the space and offering adults a clear view while standing. This layout also creates semi-private reading nooks. For children, the low circular shelves create a different experience, transforming the space between them into a playful, almost maze-like environment. The entire area is accessible by elevator and fully step-free.

The design primarily uses timber, with windows crafted from yellow cedar and furniture from western hemlock. In India, finding sustainably harvested native species is challenging, so FSC-certified Canadian timber was selected instead.

The architects proposed transforming an unused Zumba studio next door into a flexible space for community reading and learning activities. This space would host events like film screenings, book clubs, new book launches, author readings, and workshops for both kids and adults, while still allowing it to be used as a dance studio when needed. Engineered oak flooring, mirrored storage cabinets for storing books and stackable furniture, and a large screen hidden behind folding doors make the space adaptable for different uses. A ceiling of curved timber slats reflects the theme of movement and dance while hiding the MEP systems above. By providing a platform for community activities that bring people together, this additional space has proven the key to activating and revitalizing the library. Post-occupancy surveys have shown a significant increase in footfall, particularly amongst children.

Merging nature-inspired design, people-centric programming, and sustainable practices, the library transcends its traditional role, becoming a vibrant hub for learning, interaction, and community engagement.