Project Case

The entrance to the Berlin State Library

Academic Programs
Design Thinking

Intro

A library entrance should be inviting and functional - but the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin lacked orientation, work areas and a pleasant atmosphere. A team from the HPI d-school developed a concept that redesigned the space with flexible furniture, interactive elements and activity zones.

Challenge

How can the entrance area of the Berlin State Library be designed to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's visitors? A team from the HPI d-school took on this challenge and developed a concept that makes the space more functional, inviting and versatile.

Starting point

During the research phase, it quickly became clear which aspects visitors were missing in the entrance area. The ambience seemed cold and uninviting, there was no wayfinding system for better orientation and there was no opportunity for collaborative work. There was also a lack of facilities for drinks and snacks. Despite these challenges, many consider the library to be their second home - a place where they enjoy spending time.

Aha-moments

To improve the atmosphere and make more efficient use of the available space, the team used Design Thinking to develop a new concept for the entrance area.

The concept provides for the installation of various activity zones that take into account different needs such as intimacy, functionality and mobility. Flexible furniture allows visitors to customize the space and use it for concentrated work as well as for exchange and co-working.

An interactive screen serves as a wayfinding system, providing orientation and information about the building and its architecture. In addition, the students developed a new piece of furniture called “Håns”, which can be used both as a private quiet zone and as a co-working station.

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