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Negative to Positive

Bibliotheek Roosendaal

A housing association in Roosendaal, the Netherlands, owned a building with about 4,000 square meters of space with various users. This large building, called Parrotia, had the library as its main tenant, renting half of the space. The housing association was founded to provide affordable housing to those less fortunate but was losing money itself. About half was not being rented out. This chunk of space was vacant, ready to be brought to life.

Client
Bibliotheek West-Brabant

Location
Roosendaal, NL

Partners
MARS Interieurarchitecten

Size
3000 m²

Status
Realized

Approach
Imagine
Navigate
Position

Discipline
Interior
Participation
Research

Typology
Cafe
Library
Mixed Use

Partners
MARS Interieurarchitecten

why

From void to vibrant

In terms of space efficiency and financials, Parrotia was at a net negative. There was a sense of urgency to fill the space with something positive. Roosendaal needed to bring different cultural facilities under one roof. We began a brainstorming session with the board members of the association, the library director and each of their very helpful teams. We spoke with another 12-14 organizations, animating them to join. The excitement and the local energy were contagious. The supporters included an architecture firm, elderly care organization, art lending company, coffee company, the library, two clubs for the local elderly and even the local newspaper. As the concept development and art direction guide, we then helped Roosendaal create its own brand.

"There was a strong call for an urban living room as social cement."

Aat Vos
includi
how

Expect the unexpected

We concluded that we had to create a dynamic place that fosters unexpected encounters in an inspiring and safe atmosphere. There would be a coffee house, activities and storytelling. The rooms would be open and transparent, but not sterile. Equality was a focus, enabled by financial and physical accessibility for all. Parrotia would convince people to visit because it enriched them by inspiring them. The building had to be personal, accessible, safe, creative and authentic; a living room there to enrich each and every visitor.

what

Come (back) as you are

We summed up the building’s goals in a brief to help find the suitable brand designer and interior architect for this project. Meanwhile, we stayed on board to cater for some roadmaps here and there. We also made sure all parties had their focus pointing toward the same destination on the horizon as the project concept guard. Parrotia would be typically ‘Roosendaal’ and greet you in a heartfelt manner, accepting you as you are and giving back more than receiving. A Parrotia net positive. The once-empty space was now filled with a well-balanced mix of life and value, making Roosendaal’s Parrotia a home away from home.

Bibliotheek Roosendaal

More Impressions

Photography by Jan de Vries

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