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Good design should be an integral part of every library, no matter how grand or modest its scale. Featuring projects which have already been realized, this book shows how the design and engineering of libraries need not compromise a site´s varied ecology.

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Good design should be an integral part of every library, no matter how grand or modest its scale. The ancient pairing of books and architecture has recently inspired a renaissance in library design. This book features a representative selection of
international projects ranging from the traditional personal private home library to award-winning public buildings. The knowledge revolution and the need for lifelong learning poses new challenges for architects and designers.
Furthermore, the demands of new information technologies have required changes to be made in the layout of public, academic and special libraries.
The detailed case studies of these geographically varied projects fully demonstrate how the challenges of preserving a site s varied ecology are being met by specialist architectural and engineering design teams. Dedicated interior design can provide a welcoming safe space, inspiring visitors to engage in the activities within. These buildings contribute to the vitality and viability of the communities they serve. The impact of striking, almost sculptural fa‡ades has transformed and uplifted the image of the library, which has resulted in a significant increase in architectural awards for this type of project.
This book also recognizes that private libraries have taken on a greater importance in the 21st century, with increasing numbers of people requiring a space within their homes where
they can work, read, organize their busy lives or simply relax. This trend is further manifested with book loving clients requesting that their architects design a property with a
library as a centrepiece.

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Public Libraries.- Academic and School Libraries.-University Libraries.- College Libraries.- Special Libraries.- Corporate libraries.- Museum libraries.- Law libraries.-News libraries.- Medical libraries.- Private Libraries.

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From the reviews:
"This book is an illustrated guide to some ecological libraries around the world. Plans, sections, renderings of some of the libraries are included in this volume which can be of great help to architects as well as as students designing libraries. ... Overall a good basic guide to library design and understanding of the key concepts." (Book Review (Jadavpur University), January-March, 2014)

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