The Qatar National Library in Doha is enjoying a clean and calm interior with beautiful marble bookcases, "set within a single open-plan space." Architectural firm OMA focused on developing an appearance that exuded intelligence in design and brought out the character of the books in the library — some of which are considered "Qatar's most important texts and manuscripts on Arab-Islamic civilization." The result is nothing less than majestic due to the essence, contained in the marble bookcase. In addition, the open-plan space completely immerses guests of the Qatar National Library within an abundant forest of knowledge.
The marble bookcases definitely display the texts in a design-forward way that almost compels people to reach out and grab a copy to read.
Photo Credits: Iwan Baan, Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Intelligent Design for Libraries
- There is an opportunity to create library interiors that exude intelligence through design.
- Immersive Open-plan Spaces
- Creating open-plan library spaces could result in an immersive experience for visitors.
- Design-forward Bookcases
- There is an opportunity to explore bookcase designs that display books in a design-forward way.
Where This Applies
- Architecture
- Architects can incorporate intelligent design principles and open-plan spaces into their library projects.
- Furniture Design
- Furniture designers can explore innovative bookcase designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Library Science
- Library professionals can reimagine how library spaces can create an immersive and engaging experience for visitors.
