# Circular Atheneum Structures The Setubal Public Library Provides an Urban Sanctuary By Meghan Young | Published 2013-06-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/setubal-public-library References: [bustler.net](http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/setubal_public_library_entry_by_and-re/) & [and-re.pt](http://www.and-re.pt/) The circular shape of the [Setubal Public Library](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mast-1) may seem like something more attuned to the needs of a cutting edge research center or the headquarters of a business mogul, but it actually serves the community in a more interactive and intimate way. Providing a [cultural hub](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aydc-public-art-centre) in the city of Setúbal, Portugal, the structure is one proposal for the architectural competition revolving around the new atheneum. Designed by AND-RÉ, the concept behind the Setubal Public Library revolves around "the purpose of controlling the external environmental conditions in order to manipulate the internal space," according to Bustler. The introspective system centers around a [courtyard that promotes privacy and reflection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sanctum-house). By providing such a sanctuary, the Setubal Public Library encourages people to escape the daily noise of an urban lifestyle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.7/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Circular Architecture:** Designing structures with circular shapes to create unique and intimate spaces. - **Interactive Cultural Hubs:** Creating architectural designs that promote community engagement and reflection. - **Environmental Control:** Using innovative technology to manipulate internal conditions in buildings for optimal user experience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Architects and designers can explore circular structures to create innovative and visually pleasing buildings. - **Cultural Institutions:** Libraries, museums, and community centers can develop interactive spaces that encourage reflection and engagement. - **Building Technology:** Companies can focus on developing advanced systems for controlling environmental conditions in buildings to enhance user comfort and privacy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wood-Wrapped Contemporary Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graded-school-library.md) - [Cultural Green Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taichung-green.md) - [Arched Opening Village Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pkinception.md) - [Contemporary Public Bathhouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/round-about-baths.md) - [Juxtaposing Angular Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brixen-public-library.md) - [Perforated Shadow-Casting Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mariams-library.md) - [Mobile Glass Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-libreria.md) - [Memory-Grounded School Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rahmah-library.md) - [Glass-Lined Towering Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beijing-city-library.md)