A must-see destination
The Huttrop district library of Essen City Library is one of the locations with the largest media offerings and the highest number of loans. The library had to move because the previous building was no longer available. It found its new home in a vacant supermarket on the city limits of Essen-Steele. The new location is conveniently situated and accessible with ample parking opportunities.The first step was to make the building structurally and architecturally suitable for the new function. How do you turn one large, open space into a unique and inviting library… while staying within a limited budget?
"The library should be a unique, inviting meeting place. A place that excites, inspires and offers diverse opportunities. All are welcome."
Industrial landscape
Raw look
Listening to each other
We organized Design Workshops and user surveys to understand the needs of the mixed audience of Huttrop and the library team. During the Design Workshop, the theme of the library’s visual identity was determined: It should tie in with the industrial Ruhr area of Essen with its rich history, often affectionately called “Ruhrpott”. Furthermore, we gave architectural advice to strengthen the function of the third place within the building and to physically strip away the former supermarket atmosphere.
Recognition and astonishment
In Huttrop District Library, the industrial past comes to life in a modern way via a colorful interior, where both subtle and striking references to the steel and coal industries can be discovered. This creates recognition, a familiar feeling, but also wonder. Upon entering, everyone immediately feels welcome in the cozy coffee bar with the infotheque. Clever layouts create separate zones for different age groups and interests, each equipped with comfortable seating areas, from community tables to comfy cocoons.
Experience is central to this industrial but homey library landscape. For example, young people can retreat to a treehouse or a striking, robust cabin in the youth section. Study and workstations, a seating landscape as it were, in front of the new windows strengthen the connection with the outside. This invites passersby to come and take a look inside. In short, City Library Huttrop is a must-see destination in the popular Ruhr region, where there’s always something going on.
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Inclusivity front and center! Much attention has also been paid to the wheelchair-friendliness of the interior. The signage is also made legible for people with impaired vision.
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The plants in the library refer to former factory sites in the Ruhr region that are now used as public parks. They give the interior a homey touch.
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A working drawing of a machine is visible on the orange wallpaper.
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Huttrop’s library is a spacious, multipurpose setting with no enclosed spaces except for the offices of the library team.
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Feel welcome with others or alone.
"Now we are a modern library and a cozy meeting place for people here in the district."
"Experience is central to this industrial but homey library landscape."
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