DESIGNING LIBRARIES
Just add culture and stir Designing Libraries Director Ayub Khan examines the role of libraries in cultural regeneration.
OVER the past decade or so, new libraries have featured in cultural regeneration projects worldwide. Think the bold architectural statement of the new Library of Birmingham or the waterfront Dokk 1 in Denmark, with its own automated, driverless car park. Libraries have been built as centre-pieces of urban redevel-
opments, designed to change the image and identity of a town, city or district. Some commentators have described this approach as “just add culture and stir”. Here, the Government Department of Culture, Media and Sport identified three strategies for cultural regeneration:
Cultural icons and landmarks – iconic buildings that are different or unique, of symbolic or aesthetic quality, that are part of urban branding;
Placemaking and urban identity – an active part of urban planning, contributing to urban diversity in mixed- use districts, creating ‘public domain’ and new stages for experience;
Community consolidation – including activities that boost local identity and cohesion, address social and economic chal- lenges, and initiate local innovation, creativity and co-operation.
New libraries can definitely qualify for all three strategies – which can and do overlap. Libraries feature in regeneration projects focused on renewing or reimagining urban infrastructure and on the creation of new cultural quarters, centres and hubs. They can also help regenerate High Streets by bringing more cus- tomers to traditional shopping centres that have been losing trade to out-of-town retail developments.
Why libraries? There are many reasons why libraries lend themselves to cultural regeneration. First, they are valued by people who use them and people who don’t as key facilities that are part of the social fabric of local society. They attract a very broad range of users, welcoming peo-
ple of all ages from different cultures and backgrounds. As such they can bring a wide customer base to redeveloped areas – including the so-called hard-to-reach from lower socio-economic groups. Libraries are a trusted brand that can deliver other cultural
and community services. They are increasingly positioned as social and cultural venues where people can meet and enjoy a wide range of mostly free events and activities. They are – perhaps uniquely – free from prejudices associated with other cultural outlets regarded as ‘high-brow’ or ‘not for me’ by some sections of society. They are centres for lifelong learning offering less formal – and perhaps less daunting - routes towards improving
10 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL Exterior and interior of the Dokk 1, Aarhus, Denmark.
knowledge and career prospects. Libraries support individ- uals, start-ups and established businesses and contribute to local economic growth by widening horizons, promoting ambition and teaching new skills. Moreover, libraries can promote and reinforce a sense of
place amongst users – a feeling of belonging and pride in their area.
Image and branding Recent decades have seen the emergence of a new breed – or brand – of iconic libraries designed to be tourist attractions appealing to the widest audiences, not just book-borrowers. These icons play an important role in regeneration projects aimed at boosting cultural identity, community cohesion, civic pride and economic growth. The term ‘brand’ reflects a desire to sell or market a town
or city to commercial users looking for eye-catching and impressive venues for their events, alongside visitors want-
Winter 2025
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