Uppsala Children’s Library

Clarity and flexibility characterise the new design of Uppsala Children’s Library. Employing a scenographic approach, Marge Architects has created a library that both stimulates the urge to explore and provides a tranquil reading area protected from the sounds and impressions of the outside world. The staff is offered an overview and visitors, privacy.

Based on the location and the history of the building, the client wanted to integrate the concepts “The Fyris River” and “Brewery” in the new design. The concepts have been integrated both visually and programatically – visually, through the outer room’s “bridges”, and programmatically through the possibility of water play. The books have been moved closer to the façade and are exposed via an overdimensioned book wall that lends the space a visual framework and makes the core activities visible for visitors and passersby. The programme and activity room, which is used after school as a reading room, has been relocated further in, in the interior of the building. Although primarily designed for children with special needs, the room may be used by everyone.