Micro Libraries – Compact library design competition , Indien

 

UNI competitions - UNIEGIS NETWORK Private Limited, New Delhi

 

PERPETUAL IMPORTANCE OF LIBRARIES

The recent decade has led to an inevitable surge in the use of digital technologies. In addition to this surge, the COVID - 19 pandemics have radically shifted our world and the perspectives we hold towards it. People worldwide have changed their way of work and life. The rapid changes that it brought to the digital world have shifted our world to Work From Home, making the 6ft norm the new normal. 

 

The new normal has considerably changed our perceptions of spaces. As with the passing months, we are trying to restart our lives by coming back to the places we miss. Including the public libraries; space which no matter what we are unable to completely replace by its existence. Across years of transformation and change, the concept and typology of a public library haven’t changed its place in the lives of people. 

 

The newly rising issues and situations have altered and changed ways as to how we perceive these spaces but their importance is inherent. 

 

H3: How can we address this issue through architecture while maintaining the form and function of the space?

 

CAN WE RESCALE THE TYPOLOGY TO MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE AND SAFE?

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a compact prototype of public libraries. Design to install a decentralized public library system ensuring the least public gathering and increased accessibility to people across the city. 

 

With the rapid transition towards digitization and sudden rise in the social distancing norms; the existence and future of these public library spaces are now at a threat. As the typology of public libraries exists to provide knowledge and information to a large number of people from various backgrounds, making it one of the most susceptible spaces and the one that needs to change; fast. So, how can we make the knowledge and information available to all? 

 

Is it possible for us to create a solution that won‘t just make libraries a safe place but will reduce the risk of large public gatherings?

 

Is it possible to make these important resourceful spaces easily available to everyone?

 

Minimum eligible age for participation is 18 years.

There is no restriction to the degree or design disciplines to participate in the challenge.

Participation in the competition can happen in a team as well as an individual.

There is no restriction to the number of members who can participate in a team.

The challenge is open worldwide for anyone to participate.

 

20 June 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Regular registration ends

21 June 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Submission ends

06 July 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Shortlisted entries announced

12 July 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Jury evaluation starts

05 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Jury evaluation ends

06 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Public voting ends

18 August 2022, 5:00 PM GMT+02:00 – Result announcement