In the German town of Velbert the library of some 40 years of age has been transformed into a modern third place where all age groups feel at home. The new interior design by includi shows a touch of 1980s aesthetics and striking design elements. The Bürgerforum Niederberg opened in Velbert in the early 1980s. This beloved cultural and event house – later renamed Forum Velbert – is home to the region’s most important cultural organizations, including the library, a family office, a theater and a center for adult education. Over forty years later, the Forum needed a major update, which had to take into account the copyright protection of some architectural elements. The initial renovation plans already included a significant expansion of the library. However, a renovation alone does not necessarily transform a library into a third place.

The initial renovation plans were extensively researched by includi. The consulting and design agency also identified the remaining missing factors – the basic elements of a “third place library”. This was followed by a design workshop with the library team and a user survey which eventually led to a new interior design for Velbert library, spread over three floors. Extra attention was paid to the new Children’s World: an imaginative discovery place for the youngest visitors… [Read more via the downloadable below]