Designs for the FutureTweetPosted by Travis Beauvais on March 21, 2010

As The International Poetry Library of San Francisco (IPLSF) builds its infrastructure, we can’t help but also look at all the current libraries in our midst. IPLSF plans to build a unique online and onsite community, and a major impact on the physical location is interior design and sustainability. In San Francisco, Friends of the SF Library has done a fabulous job renovating our local branch libraries. The musty scents and decaying images of local libraries have been replaced with inspiring and innovative designs. We too want to communicate that libraries are cool. Soon we will be seeking out proposals for library design concepts—and we plan to stay local for these products and services.

Meanwhile, we thought it would be interesting to post some of our favorite library designs. And, we’d love to hear from you about your favorites. If you have a favorite library in mind email us at library.designs@iplsf.org.

We’ll start with a classic:

The Trinity College Library in Dublin was established in 1592. Not only does it have 5 million volumes on the shelf, it holds special collections including the Book of Kells, broad music collection, and over 20,000 manuscripts and archives dating back to 13th Century B.C.

The Long Room, part of the Old Library is a grand design at 65 meters in length. Originally a one-story design which was built in 1732, the Library eventually outgrew the space. A new second level and vaulted ceiling was added in 1860. The shelves are all made of oak, and the lower level is lined with marble busts of writers and philosophers.

Our second favorite and more modern library is in Amsterdam, the Openare Bibliotheek otherwise known as the OBA. It is the largest public library in Europe. What makes it so appealing is its open design and varied seating areas for all ages.

Rounded shelving, multiple lighting sources and electronic furniture design encourages visitors to stay longer. The OBA integrates physical books that are easy to locate, seating that is comfortable for both groups and individuals, and electrical and wireless access throughout, which is a vital service in public libraries today.

The OBA is open 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm every day. It is the center of Dutch culture and a tourist draw with book, music, game, art, and museum collections. For concerts and gatherings, there is a 200 seat theater and a full service restaurant. Take a look at the architect’s other design images of the OBA.