A postmodern children’s library welcomes visitors
The renovated Pikku Huopalahti library offers fun discoveries and nest-like nooks, particularly for kindergarten and school groups. Located in a unique and stylistically harmonious area, the library repeats the playful colours and shapes of the postmodern world. The newly opened library has been well received: “All the children who have visited the new library have been really excited. The increased visitor numbers also show that people want to visit. Not only with their teacher, but also in their free time. Reading nooks, for example, have become so popular that the staff have arranged turns to use them. Users love this,” says Sami Rainio, Director of the Pikku Huopalahti library.
Photos © Rune & Berg Design
A library that feels big and welcoming
Originally opened in 1998, the Pikku Huopalahti local library was looking for a fresher look that appealed to contemporary residents. The aim was to design a multi-purpose library for different user groups. There is a daycare centre and a school in the same building, and the children use the library as a teaching space. “The space looked rundown and a bit neglected, so we wanted to freshen it up. Another aim was to be more involved in the annual events of the nearby school and make reading more popular among children over the long term,” says Lotta Muurinen, who previously served as the library director.
“The aim was to make the compact library feel bigger. For example, we created several different areas inside the space and used furniture dividers to make the space usable by several groups at the same time. We also designed more diverse workplaces for the staff,” says Maiju Hatakka, Lead Designer for the Project, explaining the project from a design point of view.
The library's furniture was designed to be suitable for children. For example, the self-service counter is at a height suitable for children so they can practise borrowing books themselves.
Children involved in the design process
Rune & Berg Design was responsible for the conceptual design, interior design, graphic design and project organisation of the Pikku Huopalahti library, as well as the involvement of different user groups in the design. Three workshops were held with local preschoolers, schoolchildren and other residents during the design process. The residents wanted a peaceful and safe environment that would offer a cosy and comfortable resting and reading space – nest-like nooks for relaxation. On the other hand, they also wanted longer opening hours, surprises and participation opportunities for users of different ages, such as through art, fairy tale readings and other events.
The design drivers for the project were:
- Feels bigger than its actual size: The library is spatially clear and easy to use. The small space adapts to a wide range of functions, serving user groups of all sizes. Users of different ages are also taken into account.
- Inspiring: The space welcomes users to explore, offering surprises and the joy of discovery. The fun spatial experience and nest-like nooks also inspire exploring literature.
- Fresh: The colour palette of the space repeats the colours of the surrounding architecture. The bright space feels refreshing while also offering many activities.
- Gentle: The library is an open and inviting place for all children. The calm and welcoming environment is a comfortable and safe space.
“Everything went really well. You understood the wishes of residents exceptionally well,” says Lotta. “It was good that Inkeri, one of our librarians, who knows the most about practical issues, was also actively involved,” adds Sami.
"A comfortable, quiet and relaxed place you can always visit and where safe adults are present."
Workshop comment by a schoolchild
The joy of discovery in a postmodern setting
The redesigned library consists of a larger library room and a group workspace that has been adapted for more diverse activities. The library was designed so that it can be used by several groups at the same time, if necessary: a larger group can sit on the reading mat, a smaller group in the loft and a third group on the group workspace side in a quieter environment. In the past, the group workspace was only used as a background space for staff; however, thanks to the new furniture, presentation technology and reading corner, it will also be possible to hold language courses, for example.
“The result is really nice, completely different from the old library. The children think it looks great, and it is much more functional. Communicating with you has been easy, and your responses have been so clear that we have understood them, although we are not experienced in renovations,” Sami explains.
Designed by Rune & Berg, Mobile adds a surprise element to the space that kids love. Mobile is positioned so that the brightest sunlight of the day shines on it through the windows, creating an interesting play of colours on the surfaces.
Pikku Huopalahti Library is a journey into the world of colours and postmodern architecture.
The pleasure of discovery is brought to life by the versatile functionalities that were designed together with the users and the inspiring postmodern visuals. “The space is divided into different areas, so that not everything is revealed when you step in. In addition, all the shelves in the library hall, for example, are movable, so that the space can also be adapted to different groups,” explains Oona Auramo, Interior Architect. “We wanted to create a delightful experience. The finished plans contain many elements that the children wished for in the workshop – for example, a loft, kinetic art and quiet spaces for relaxation. It will be great to see the children’s reactions in the finished space,” concludes enthusiastically Riikka Kuukka, AD.
Would you like to learn more?
Read the City of Helsinki’s article on the renewed library and contact us.
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