Study In Style: The University Of Amsterdam Library
By Jeffrey Hyatt
Unlike any library most collegians (or anyone!) ever get to experience, Amsterdam designers Studio Roelof Mulder and Bureau Ira Koers recently were awarded the Serve and Facilitate (Public) Great Indoors Award for their modish University Library of the University of Amsterdam project. A library whose sleek decor’ no longer consists of books has been turned into a modern, home-style atmosphere; in one of the study rooms students have kitchen tables where they can work in groups under the lamp, a chesterfield couch for reading, sitting areas for a short break and special telephone areas in the hallways between the quiet study rooms.
In red cases with 1105 red crates, the university’s collection of books lie ready for borrowing. Anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 students visit daily to study and pick up their digitally ordered books. Because these books come from different locations, this is the heart of the University Library, with a back office hidden from view where the books are readied for self-service with the RFID system. Now might be a good time for a year studying abroad. [via dezeen]
