Library Architecture

My sister sent me this amazing article about an architect who truly understands what a library means to the community it serves.  Francine Houben of the Dutch studio, Mecanoo interviewed with the Dezeen magazine about her design of the new library in Birmingham, England.

“I wanted to make a people’s palace because it’s a public building and I think at this moment libraries are the most important public buildings, like cathedrals were many years ago. We wanted it to be very inviting and welcoming, not just about books. It’s not just for the rich or the intellectuals, it’s for everybody.”

What more could you ask for from someone – to see the importance of the building, the community, and the service involved in a library.  The library Houben designed is a combination university and public library but also holds archives as well, making it a very busy place, but a beautiful and exciting one as well.  The library will be the largest public library in Europe when it opens on September 3rd.  And it has now been added to my “Must See” sights.

For the whole interview, check out the article.