Mission Possible
The public library in the German city of Friedrichsdorf offers a vibrant program for various target groups, including children, teenagers, families and seniors. The library’s former location, with just 240 m² of space, was too small, poorly accessible for people with disabilities and lacked room for expansion. This limited both the library’s growth and its ease of use, preventing it from fully fulfilling its mission as an inclusive meeting place for all residents.
Therefore, relocating to a larger, more accessible site was essential. Includi was tasked with guiding this transition. Our challenge was to transform the former premises of a local shop and restaurant (600 m²) into a modern public space with social impact.
"This really is a place that not only the library team, but above all the people of Friedrichsdorf have been actively looking forward to in recent years. That truly makes it a place for everyone, by everyone."
"Our goal was to make the Stadtbücherei Friedrichsdorf as visible as possible. By having users primarily gather near the windows, the library will be perceived as a lively place even when just passing by."
PERSONAL TOUCH!
LOVELY LOCAL
Building on Feedback
Social impact and civic engagement often go hand in hand. This project is even characterized by an extraordinary level of involvement from the citizens of Friedrichsdorf. At the outset, nearly 400 people participated in an extensive online survey to contribute their wishes and preferences to the planning process. The survey revealed a desire for both a cozy place for relaxation and education and an inspiring space for encounters and exchange. During the includi Design Workshop week with the library team, these wishes were incorporated into concrete architectural plans. On the one hand, quiet, introverted spaces for reading and learning. On the other, social zones for encounters and events. As construction progressed, citizens showed their commitment by donating over 40 personal items, now displayed as decorative elements in the library.
Diverse, Local and Surprisingly Modern
The renovation transformed the former shop and the adjacent restaurant into a versatile library, designed by includi with diversity and inclusivity in mind. Although compact, the library features a smart layout with distinct zones, including a cozy reading café, a quiet room, an inspiring Makerspace, and a welcoming children’s area complete with a stage and amphitheater-style seating. The colorful interior blends the small-town charm of Friedrichsdorf with urban accents.
A standout feature is the freestanding, comfortable cocoons lined with custom-designed backgrounds made especially for this library. Friedrichsdorf wanted to create an inspiring space for everyone—a goal that has been fully achieved. Inclusive features, such as unisex and family restrooms, tactile floor guides, and wheelchair-accessible book drop-off points, make this library not only inviting but also accessible to truly everyone.
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Nearly 400 people digitally shared their wishes for the new library through an includi card game.
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The colorful interior blends the small-scale, informal village character of Friedrichsdorf with modern touches.
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Personal objects from residents, collected through a donation campaign, are presented as interior accessories in the library.
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The space - completely located on the ground floor - is compact but definitely not boring!
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The interior is divided into various zones. Playful and inviting, with surprising 'hide-and-seek' routes.
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"The city library should become a favorite spot for the residents of Friedrichsdorf—a place where you always feel at home, even when you're not at home."
"The city library will make Houiller Square even more vibrant, and the shops in the square will benefit from the library as a major draw for visitors."
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