'Collection to Connection'

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

‘Collection to Connection’ An exploration into how the public library has evolved to serve society in the 21st century using Dokk1 as a case study

Fig.1 - Dokk1 public library completed in 2015 by SHL Architects in Aarhus, Denmark

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Contents Introduction: -

The Context

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Dokk1 - A Destination in the City

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Exploration:

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A Place of Belonging

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A Place of Democracy

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A Place of Community Ownership

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A Place of Integrated Learning

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Conclusion: -

A Place for People

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Bibliography: -

Books

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Articles

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Websites

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Images

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Introduction The Context

Growing up, I never spent much time in public libraries. Although I occasionally visited my local library to borrow books, its dingy spaces, poor artificial lighting and drab decor never enticed or inspired me as a place to stay. It acted purely as a service station stop to access different media, something I was increasingly able to do online from the comfort of home.

In a society that is becoming increasingly digitised - where books and other media are more readily accessible online - the necessity of the public library as a physical space has come under question. ‘The library of the 21st century is an institution grappling with its own significance in a society transformed by the output of digital technology.’

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Since 2017, 120 public libraries across the UK have closed with a nationwide drop of

10 million visitors to libraries since 20172.

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​Lushington et al., 2016, p. 12 Morten, 2018 3

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Fig.2 Public Library under threat of closure

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Dokk1 - A Destination in the City

This negative image of the public library was revolutionised in my eyes after moving to Aarhus, Denmark at the start of 2018. Dokk1 - the city’s new public library, completed

by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects in 2015 - pioneered a new age of large scale hybrid library design. Its open plan layout and integrated range of functionality define it as a natural gathering place for people and a catalyst for social interaction. As the architects suggested, it is ‘A place where the life of the city unfolds’3. This was true for me as it became a frequent destination point throughout my time living in the city and also played a crucial role in providing a space that nurtured my integration into a foreign community.

Fig. 3 External steps to Dokk1 showing it as a busy centre of life in the city where people gather

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John, 2016, p. 5 5

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

These contrasting experiences address the dichotomy at the heart of the current debate that surrounds the future of the public library. It shows an intrinsic evolution of a changing emphasis in public library design. It is becoming a place for people first and books second; ‘The library would be needed even if we abandoned the book merely because it brings people together in the pursuit of happiness’4. This is embodied in the mantra ‘Collection to Connection’, a term coined by Morten Schmidt of SHL Architects5.

In order to address this changing role and explore how the public library is increasingly becoming a place that embellishes life for people, I aim to explore four key qualities of Dokk1 and examine how it sets a precedent for this new era of public library. Those qualities are; a place of belonging, a place of democracy and a place of community ownership and a place of integrated learning.

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Edwards, 2009, p. 16 Schmidt, 2016 6

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Exploration A Place of Belonging

As you enter Dokk1, you are not confronted by a threatening reception desk, but instead a large open space - usually bustling with activity as people pursue their individual journeys within the building. This immediately doesn’t make you question your presence in the space, but instead allows for a gentle transition into the interior of the building as you feel part of an inclusive environment of activity - there is a sense of belonging. It empowers the individual with both a sense of excitement and exploration as the nature of the space engenders a feeling of freedom. I feel in some ways it is why the public library is so crucial as it addresses something inherent in the human being, which is about an individual pursuit of self improvement and development but in the company of others.

Fig. 4 The entrance space is welcoming and immediately includes the user into the activity of the library

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

This addresses the public library’s unique role in accommodating the individual in a communal environment. I feel this responsibility should not be underestimated as if viewed from another angle - what does a society without this facility look like? As someone who at the time was living on my own, as so many people do now, Dokk1 gave me a space to still be alone but with the comfort of others around me. As such, I feel the public library could play an important role in combating loneliness - a prevalent issue in the 21st century. It is why the library is now referred to as the third space; ‘People have a home, they have work and they need something in the middle’6. The high ceilings, generous spaces and low book shelves give the user an unrestricted depth of view into the building that allows activity to be perceived throughout. This gives the user command of the space and the ability to orientate themselves in a relatively complex building, limiting the need for signage. This sense of independence In Dokk1, gave me the feeling that ‘the place was built for me’ which enhanced a feeling of belonging7.

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John, 2016, p.19 John, 2016, p.39 8

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Fig. 5 High ceilings, generous spaces and low bookshelves give visual command of the building

What is also crucial to this feeling of belonging is the building facilitates an environment of informality and neutrality, in other words the public library is non-discriminatory in terms of who can use the space. I have experienced in older public libraries, the building can imbue an atmosphere of intimidation and hushed reverence as an imposing edifice with historical references. In the contemporary public library this austere presence is replaced with open, light spaces creating a more informal atmosphere, as can be seen at Dokk1. The institutional atmosphere has been replaced with a more familiar and relaxed appeal, with food and drink outlets enjoyed in the comfort of domestic furniture.

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Fig. 6 Informal spaces with domestic furniture create a relaxed and unassuming atmosphere

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

A Place of Democracy

As you progress through the building you reach a space that translates to ‘the Ramp’.

This space, as well providing disabled access through the building, can also be activated into a ‘performance zone’. I experienced this first hand at Dokk1, where throughout my time in Aarhus I frequently saw the space used as a focal point for large community gathering. An example of this was my attendance at a public discussion initiated by ‘The Burning Man Group’. The central ramp space in the library was activated and members of the community were able to stand up and voice their opinions on issues regarding the future of urbanism.

Fig.7 Multi Use ramp shown in performance mode as a place for presentation, discussion and debate

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

In my view, this exemplifies one of the fundamental roles the public library plays in contemporary society. In the 21​st Century there is no typical user of the public library and it must therefore function accordingly as a space that effectively accommodates to the needs for all members in that society8. This is certainly a challenge and a challenge of increasing complexity in a globalising world where societies are becoming ever more diverse. However, this should not be seen as a threat but more of an opportunity, as it consolidates the crucial role public libraries play in providing a platform for all to exercise free speech in the public realm; ‘everyone has a seat at the table and we treat everyone with the same respect and dignity’9. It is apparent then, that by nature they must transcend any predisposition to ethnicity, class, religion, age, gender, nationality or intellect and therefore the buildings themselves must imbue a similar sense of neutrality, sensitivity and equality.

This has become particularly pertinent in the past decade in the West, where we have experienced a backlash to globalization with events such as Brexit and the rise of nationalism in the USA under Donald Trump. These events embody a general trend towards a more isolationist public outlook that seeks to divide rather than unify.

Although I’m by no means suggesting the public library can solve issues of such a grand scale, they certainly have a major responsibility in providing a space where people from all different backgrounds can find gratification in resolving issues in an inclusive community environment. Bill Ptacek, head of the public library in Calgary, refers to it as a ‘debate chamber’ for communities to interact and above all build resilience10. For me, this role is similar to that of ‘The Agora’ in ancient Greece. A word that literally translates to ‘a gathering place’ or ‘assembly’. The public library should provide a similar space that upholds this democratic ideal, that everyone's voice can be heard and fundamentally that they have ownership to exert influence on the outside world.

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​Worpole, 2013, p. 88 Smith, 2013 10 Ptacek, 2016 9

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

A Place of Community Ownership

Dokk1 also provides the Aarhus community with a range of open planned spaces, that are very flexible in their arrangement. This embodies a new trend of ‘long life, loose fit’ design that allows the library to, ‘accommodate change as well as a widening variety of activities’11. Like society itself, it enables the library to keep evolving. For me, this is one of the reasons Dokk1 became such a common destination place, as my visits were never repetitive and I could visit the library speculatively, in the hope of finding a new interesting activity to get involved in. These multi-functioning spaces above all help define the library of the 21st century as a place that prioritises people. They show the ‘transformation of public libraries from a warehouse for books into a gathering space for people’12.

Fig.8 ‘Long life, loose fit’ space that is flexible and readily customisable

Having the public library as a place for people, has been an inherent part of what it has represented, ever since its widespread emergence which coincided with the 11 12

Worpole, 2013, p. 187 John, 2016, p. 5 13

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

advancement of individual rights in the period of enlightenment, and crucially the French Revolution in the 18th century. After this period the library moved towards public ownership and somewhere accessible to all, rather than just the preserve of the elite. It reflected the zeitgeist of the time and became a civic monument that epitomizes a sense of self empowerment as it was owned and paid for by the people.

Prior to this, for the most part, libraries were exclusive places, only accessible to the more privileged echelons of society - whether that be the monarchy in the ancient world, the clergy in the middle ages or the wealthy in the Renaissance period13.

In contemporary society, I feel this idea of civic ownership has extended beyond the library in terms of the physical collection of books and other media but refers increasingly to the ownership of the physical spaces within the library. This embodies the idea that the public library should not only be synonymous with a sense of freedom to information but also the freedom of cooperative, where communities can work together towards a common goal. This is achieved at Dokk1, through the provision of a range of flexible spaces that enable the community to develop a sense of ownership, as they determine what activities are undertaken. Epitomising this idea, there is a growing trend that users of the library are regarded as ‘members’ rather than ‘customers’14. A successful library then provides the conditions that optimise opportunity for its members, which is about empowering them to pursue their own journey and act as a bastion for both freedom of information and self-improvement.

People are using the library in similar ways all around the world. At Library 10 in Helsinki, users of the library can customise their own areas by booking soundproof walls that allow them to transform spaces to meet their requirements. There are examples of people using this to run small businesses from the library as the portability of technology enables them to work on the go15. Likewise, In Japan the public library has been given new impetus by a ‘grass-roots’ movement which has 13

L ​ ushington et al, 2016, p. 10 W ​ orpole, 2013, p. 14 15 J ​ ohn, 2016, p. 19 14

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

given the community greater command of activities in the library and reduced management by private ownership; ‘Through their activities participants planned and conducted various programs, such as reading clubs, study sessions for children’s books and discussions about social issues.’16. This was certainly the case for me with Dokk1. It provided an informal setting where I went to get coffee and meet friends, carry out personal work and also meet with a tutor to learn Danish. The library didn’t dictate to me what I should do but instead facilitated an environment for me to do as I wanted.

Fig. 9 Flexible spaces being customised to the layout that people require

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Yoshida, 2012, p. 16 15

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

A Place of Integrated Learning

The spatial arrangements of modern public libraries are becoming increasingly integrated. The current trend in design shows a movement towards open planned, interconnecting spaces where there is no strict compartmentalisation of functionality.

This has greatly evolved from public libraries in the 19th century that created a series of rational enclosed spaces, each operating with a specific function. This was a feature of the Victorian library which was formally arranged with each space prescribing its individual purpose17. It was common then that the library user would transition through the building by taking a book from its enclosed storage room to a separate enclosed reading room. This trend was broken by Modernist architectural thinking which placed an emphasis on more liberal ‘flowing spaces’ that introduced the concept of an open spatial arrangement18.

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Worpole, 2013 p. 187 Lushington et al., 2016, p. 33 16

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Fig.10 Dokk1 , ground floor plan - open plan layout with integration of book shelving and reading rooms

These new integrated spaces are not only beneficial in improving human connectivity but also enhance the library as a learning space through conversation and the cross fertilisation of ideas. This was an ideal at the core of some of the earliest libraries. In Raphael’s painting ‘The School of Athens’ which is widely regarded as a metaphorical depiction of the Great Library of Alexandria (285–246 BC), there is an absence of books (scrolls) in the library and the primary activity taking place is scholarly conversation19. It was a ‘meeting place and centre of intellectual life for the city and beyond’, where knowledge was not solely propagated by the book but instead by people20. This expresses an early celebration of shared learning in the public library and the integration of different disciplines to provide space to progress intellect through spontaneous discussion in a communal environment.

​Fig.11 ‘The School of Athens’, Raphael, 1509-1511

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C ​ olgrove, 2013 W ​ orpole, 2013, p. 32 17

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Likewise, at Dokk1, users of the library have the opportunity to work collectively, alongside fellow citizens. Individuals pursue a journey of self development in the company of others, creating an environment where knowledge can be trialled and tested through discussion. ‘The users are not forced to sit next to one another in isolated concentration but can take a seat at a small table, making it possible to talk and exchange opinions. These open spatial landscapes emphasize seamless interconnection, whether between the parts of the space, between areas of knowledge or social contacts’21.

Fig. 12 An interconnecting space where people can work communally and informally

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L ​ ushington et al., 2016, p. 36

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Conclusion A Place for People

In conclusion, I feel the modern public library plays a more important role in community ‘Connection’ and the role of borrowing media or ‘Collection’ has been relegated to a secondary, but still necessary function. This evolution of the modern public library is a response to the technological age we live in, where as global trends show, people are becoming more inclined to access books, newspapers and other media online instead of on paper22. It’s increasing role as a community hub in essence is how the modern public library must work harder to effectively serve society in the 21st century and maintain its relevance both today and tomorrow. ‘At first, the modern public library started as an educational institute for all citizens and in the process of development, it has changed into a versatile cultural institute’23.

Dokk1 epitomises this new epoch of hybrid public library. Under one democratic roof it serves as a library, a community services resource, a multimedia centre and a transportation hub. It has become a primary destination for people in the city. This was certainly my experience. It was where I got my working permit, socialised with friends, met colleagues for coffee, got off the tram for work and attended live events.

It is significant that the Aarhus Municipality chose Dokk1 as the first major civic building to regenerate Aarhus’ old industrial harbour. It displays how the modern public library can play a crucial role in reinvigorating urban life, by pioneering the 21st century movement of human centric design away from rigid functionality and towards informal spontaneity. In essence the library is a microcosm of the wider city; a place where people from all walks of life can pursue their own journey in a community setting. This isn’t a period that will mark the death of the public library but instead it will define its reincarnation.

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D ​ oherty, 2014 Y ​ oshida, 2012, p. 17 20

History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Bibliography Books Worpole, K. (2013). ​Contemporary library architecture​. London: Routledge.

Lushington, N., Rudorf, W., Wong, L., Blake, N., Reisenberger, J. and Stein, R. (2016).

The design and evaluation of public library buildings​. Birkhäuser.

Edwards, B. (2009).​ Libraries and learning resource centres​. Oxford, UK: Architectural Press.

Cotton Dana, J. (1884). ​A Library Primer​. Unknown: tredition

Battles, M. (2004). ​Library: An Unquiet History​. London: Vintage.

Articles John, Gemma. (2016). “Designing Libraries In 21st Century, Lessons For The UK.” British Council, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, pp. 0-59. http://www.designinglibraries.org.uk/documents/designing_libraries.pdf

Yoshida, Yuko (2012). “The public library as a space for informal learning”.

Scandinavian library quarterly, pp. 16-17. https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/56657351.pdf

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Websites Smith, P. (2013). ​What to expect from libraries in the 21st century: TEDxMileHigh​. [online] Available at: ​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa6ERdxyYdo​. [Accessed 20 Dec. 2019].

Ptacek, B. (2016). ​The library is not a place, it’s a concept: TEDxCalgary​. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES0zGUvZj5s [Accessed 23 Dec. 2019].

Colgrove, T.(2013). ​Libraries of the Future: TEDxReno​. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvE0gHhK3ss [Accessed 23 Dec. 2019].

Morten, B. (2018). ​Why more people are using these libraries​. [online] Available at: ​https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-46504759​. [Accessed 4 Dec. 2019].

Schmidt, M (2016). T ​ he design of world-class libraries​. [online] Available at: https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/view-discuss/design-world-class-libraries [Accessed 5 Jan. 2020].

Doherty, T (2014). ​Why do we still need public libraries in the digital age? | British Council​. [online] Available at: https://www.britishcouncil.org/voices-magazine/why-still-need-public-libraries-digitalage [Accessed 5 Dec. 2019].

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Images Fig. 1 - [Dokk1 public library completed in 2015 by SHL Architects in Aarhus, Denmark] https://www.shl.dk/dokk1/

Fig. 2 - [​Public Library under threat of closure] https://dotgumbi.wordpress.com/2014/04/23/libraries-who-needs-them/

Fig. 3 - [​External steps to Dokk1 showing it as a busy centre of life in the city where people gather] meet​https://www.citylab.com/design/2016/12/a-library-from-the-future-arrives-in-den

mark/510803/

Fig. 4 - [​The entrance space is welcoming and immediately includes the user into the activity of the library] https://www.archute.com/dokk1-schmidt-hammer-lassen-transforms-aarhus-harbour -centre-endless-activity/dokk1-schimdt-hammer-lassen-river-aarhus-11/

Fig. 5 - [​High ceilings, generous space and low bookshelves give visual command of the space] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:DOKK1_library_in_Aarhus,_Denmark_interior _05.jpg

Fig. 6 - [​Informal spaces with domestic furniture create a relaxed and unassuming atmosphere] https://wearelibrarypeople.com/project/denmark/aarhus/dokk1-aarhus-denmark/pr/1 6112

Fig. 7 - [​Multi Use ramp shown in performance mode as a place for presentation, discussion and debate] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMC18wr4Ln8

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History & Theory 4: Issues in Contemporary Architecture Candidate Number: 10095

Fig. 8 - [​‘Long life, loose fit’ space that is flexible and readily customisable] https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/384283780701033081/?lp=true

Fig. 9 - [​ Flexible spaces being customised to the layout that people require] https://thedesignconcept.co.uk/project/denmark/aarhus/dokk1-aarhus-denmark/pr/1 6112

Fig. 10 -​ [​Ground floor plan - open plan layout with integration of book shelving and reading rooms] https://www.dezeen.com/2015/06/19/schmidt-hammer-lassen-completes-scandinav ias-largest-library-aarhus-denmark-metal-clad-volume-dokk1-urban-mediaspace/

Fig. 11 - ​ [​‘The School of Athens’, Raphael, 1509-1511] https://mymodernmet.com/school-of-athens-raphael/

Fig. 12 - ​[An interconnecting space where people can work communally and informally] https://wearelibrarypeople.com/project/denmark/aarhus/dokk1-aarhus-denmark/pr/1

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