Deichman Biblo Tøyen

The chosen location for the youth library Tøyen Square is found in the “Gamle Oslo” district. This area aimed to compensate for the removal of the Munch Museum from the quarter, which left a cultural attraction missing. Deichman Biblo Tøyen Youth Library had exclusively children between 10 to 15 years old as its target audience, a group for which there is often no after-school care. This concept was novel for the neighborhood, for Oslo and even for Norway. The goal was to create an a-typical culture house that would speak to this target group in as many ways, shapes, colors, props and forms as possible. This library had to be not only distinctive, but extraordinary.

Based on Deichman’s motto: “Hold Deg Våken! Keep yourself awake!” we wanted to captivate and stimulate the vigorous minds of the new generation with our creative choices. The idea was to enrich children’s experiences through our interior design approach, rooted in collaboration with an architectural psychologist. The goal was to inspire play, interaction, and discovery. Actively engaging young people in the development process, we solicited their input on library preferences, striving to empathize and connect with the evolving young brains. In a rapidly modernizing society, the explorative young psyche sometimes faces a disconnect with reality, prompting a constant search for clues.

The library design multiplied its creativity thanks to hiring a crew of skilled set-builders to create a stunning environment. Unexpected props and striking visuals made this youth hub come alive. The space is filled with a sense of weightlessness and ease due to the many floating elements, including bookshelves. This project was a truly unique endeavor that allowed us to cater to an extremely important target audience. The result is probably the most fascinating library you will find. Anywhere. What makes this project extra valuable is that the library has a positive impact on the neighborhood. Deichman’s expansion included the evening-accessible Deichman Tøyen, hosting numerous weekly events.

The two cultural attractions reduced the sense of vacancy, fostering a vibrant community square with coffee shops, lunch spots, and creative businesses. Petty crime decreased significantly. Since opening in 2016, the number of interactions between youth and police in the 10-15 age group has dropped from 21% to 7% in a year and a half. The after-school program at the youth library continues to draw rows of enthusiastic audiences daily.

Biblo Tøyen is the ultimate cool spot in Oslo for teenagers. This place not only radiates good vibes within its walls but also extends that positive energy to its surroundings. Here, you can learn, read, chill, experiment, and linger as long as you please. How awesome is it to be a teenager in Oslo?