# Contemporary Reference Centers The Alphabet Library by Stephane Hof Looks Like a Big Kitchen By Meghan Young | Published 2012-09-25 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alphabet-library References: [fubiz.net](http://www.fubiz.net/en/2012/09/20/alphabet-library/) & [hoffice.net](http://www.hoffice.net/) At first, the Alphabet Library could easily be mistaken for a futuristic kitchen. It is comprised of white counters and rounded shelving that lend a clean aesthetic more often than not associated with that particular area. As its name gives away, however, the Alphabet Library is a reference center for knowledge, not cooking. Its [contemporary design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tselinny-center) simply steps away from the often dark woods and rich carpets used in such structures. Designed by architect Stéphane Hof, a protege of Zaha Hadid, the Alphabet Library located in the Pierres Vives building in Montpellier. Serving as a reading room for the [Archive of the Department of Herault](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alu-collection), it is complete with entrance desk, an information desk, reading room tables and [library shelves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reading-nooks). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 23% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Contemporary Reference Centers:** Creating modern and chic architectural designs for libraries and reference centers. - **Futuristic Interior Design:** Implementing futuristic and innovative interior designs for public or private spaces. - **Innovative Knowledge Centers:** Revolutionizing the perception of knowledge centers from traditional to innovative and inspiring spaces. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Architects can explore designing modern reference centers that can inspire and captivate anyone who enters them. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers have an opportunity to think outside the box and create innovative designs for libraries and reference centers that transform traditional designs. - **Education:** Educational institutions can update their library facilities to provide a modern and inspiring learning environment for students and staff. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Contemporary Art Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/espace-gabrielle-chanel.md) - [Temporary Translucent Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-liberia.md) - [Children's Story-Inspired Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/western-academy.md) - [Dynamic Geometric Library Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yellamundie.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md) - [Tree-Like Library Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-of-knowledge.md) - [Mushroom-Shaped Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-library.md)