The library goes beyond books and transforms into a forest of knowledge, bringing people together to learn. Its design draws from the foliage canopy of the adjacent street, recreating the experience of reading beneath a tree.
Bringing the Experience of Reading Under Trees Into a Mumbai Library | studio hinge
The library features a cylindrical bookcase that serves as the main reception, screening off admin and sorting areas. Two key objectives guided the project: connecting to the idea of reading outdoors and attracting visitors to stay.
Existing concrete columns are transformed into tree-like structures with circular bookshelves in Western Hemlock. The branches made of hollow steel sections clad in timber serve as conduits, avoiding lowered ceilings. Intertwined to create delicate woven meshes below beams, these simulate the experience of walking under trees with dappled light.
Custom terrazzo flooring with marble and green glass chips mimics scattered leaves. Freestanding circular bookshelves form “hedges” around trees, providing an immersive browsing experience. Lounge chairs and benches built into the semi-private window bays with plentiful daylight provide for longer reads.
Designed during one of the world’s harshest lockdowns, the library seeks to bring people together again. An adjacent underused Zumba studio is repurposed to host auxiliary programs including film screenings, book clubs, author readings and workshops. This additional space (which reverts to a dance studio when needed) increases footfall and fosters community engagement.
At 1.2m tall, freestanding bookshelves allow natural light to permeate and provide unobstructed views for adults. The library ensures easy access with no level differences and wide passages. The timber is FSC-sourced and fast-growing. Operable windows to the north and east maximize daylight and ventilation whilst minimizing glare.
The Forest of Knowledge emerges as a modern, inclusive, and environmentally conscious space. Blending nature-inspired design, community-centric programming, and sustainable practices, the library transcends its traditional role, becoming a vibrant hub for engaged learning.
Fact File
Designed by: studio hinge
Project Type: Library, Cultural Interiors
Project Name: Forest of Knowledge Library
Location: Mumbai
Year Built: 2023
Project Size: 4500 Sqft
Principal Architect: Pravir Sethi
Design Team: Chintan Zalavadiya
Photograph Courtesy: Saurabh Suryan
Manufacturers: Bharat Floorings, Canadianwood
Source: Archdaily
Firm’s Website Link: studio hinge
Firm’s Instagram Link: studio hinge
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