Projects

Pearl of Zeeland 

Bibliotheek Goes

In the Dutch province of Zeeland, a library sought not only a new home but also a new positioning. The library wanted to act and be seen as a revitalizing boost for civic life. A change that was much-needed, but required additional time to be implemented. In the meantime, we did not sit idle. We organized activities that led to Library Goes becoming the pleasant place it is today.

Client
Bibliotheek Oosterschelde

Location
Goes, NL

Size
1.000 m²

Status
Realized

Approach
Imagine
Navigate
Position
Artify
Construct

Discipline
Graphics
Interior
Participation

Typology
Cafe
Library

Why

Urban social fabric

Sometimes a decade goes by before the seed of a great idea or a much-needed change blossoms into reality. This was the case for the development process of the new library in Goes, a branch of Bibliotheek Oosterschelde. It took a while before the library found its perfect new location. But all these years one thing remained unchanged: Both the library management and the local politicians strongly believed in the role that the library could play in the social fabric of the city. From the beginning the intention was clear, to rebrand the library into a genuine third place: an instrument for urban renewal and improved socialization.

"The extensive preliminary process provided a strong policy foundation under the final result."

Jannie van Vugt

Director Bibliotheek Oosterschelde

Eyecatcher

Zeeland barnhouse

To highlight the country life of Goes, a typical Zeeland barnhouse made of reclaimed wood is the centerpiece of the interior.

Multifunctional

Make your choice

The barnhouse holds various functions, such as a course room, a café, a stage, workstations and an amphitheater.

how

A solid foundation

We delivered a motley mix of activities and tools to grow together toward the desired end result. A rebranding session was part of the program. What does Goes Bibliotheek stand for and what is its role in society? As we had the time, we also showed the library team various public places during an inspirational tour. In our feasibility study, we investigated how we can realize a cultural, social and educational place within the possibilities and space offered by the new location in Goes. User investigations and a Design Workshop were also part of our approach to creating a comfortable culture hub for all residents of Goes.

What

Goes goes the extra mile

To ensure the success of a new third place as much as possible, several criteria must be met, including factors like the venue having low-threshold access, visibility, usability, safety, comfort, and a hospitable experience. Goes Library easily checks all these boxes. When it comes to the comfort of its visitors, this place truly goes the extra mile. In the reading garden children can pick out a spot on their own. The family room is a pleasant place to stay with kids, thanks to the use of soft materials and a large rug.

Finally, there are numerous cocoons, each with an individual identity, where you can read, meet or simply relax. Everyone will find the space they need here, activated by the “crawl and creep” interior style. Just as people are unique individuals, so is the library interior with a mix of moods, shapes, styles, spheres, space as well as order, look and feel. In short: this pearl of the people invites visitors to go exploring and enrich themselves in the library, a truly revitalizing boost for civic life.

Goes Library

More Impressions

The garden room has a greener and urban character thanks to the combination of plants, a work bar and picnic tables.
The clinker floor reinforces the idea of an urban environment where you are free to stay and explore.
An amphitheater where children can crawl and scramble is also called the ‘reading garden’.
The prints on the back walls of the cocoons are abstractions of typical scenes from the city of Goes. They may not be immediately noticeable, but the observant visitor is sure to recognize some of them.