The document discusses the collaboration between librarians and architects on library design and construction projects in Barcelona province, Spain. It describes the roles of the Library Service, municipalities, and architects in the process. Key aspects of successful collaboration highlighted include open communication between all parties to understand different perspectives and ensure user needs are met. The case study of the Jordi Rubió i Balaguer library in Sant Boi de Llobregat illustrates how meetings between librarians and architects helped produce a design that balanced functionality with visual impact.

1. SANT BOI DE LLOBREGAT CENTRAL LIBRARY Librarian & Architect, working together from the past to the future

5. (Video, by Santi Romero) Chief of Library Architecture Unit The Library Architecture Unit We give advise to the municipalities during the process of project , construction and interior furnishing of new library buildings, as well as in the refurbishment of the existing ones. About 100 projects, in 83 municipalities

6. Jordi Rubió i Balaguer library Sant Boi de Llobregat 2

7. CLIENT CONTRACTOR ARCHITECT ” At the beginning of our professional practice we discover, with surprise, that some buildings designed by the most admired architects are strongly criticised by the clients” “… the process of building a facility certainly needs everybody’s contribution. The information exchange at the right moment of the process is the key to reach the goal, and to involve everybody as a part of the success.” “ It’s essential to have a direct and fluid contact betwen client and architect in order to…” (Orteu / Piferrer)

8. Dialog architect / client (I)

9. Dialog architect / client (II)

10. The client ARCHITECT CLIENT CONTRACTOR Teresa Pagès Library Director Jordi Rubió i Balaguer library Mariona Muxart Municipal Architect Sant Boi de Llobregat Ània Pluma Project manager OTC (Oficina Tècnica de Cooperació) Ignasi Bonet Adviser Library Service

11. The architects ARCHITECT CLIENT CONTRACTOR AV 62 Antonio Foraster, Victoria Garriga www.av62arquitectos.com

14. MEETINGS, MEETINGS AND MEETINGS! Talk, talk, and talk… Dialog, dialog, dialog… To have one only image of our common goal , one only image of the building we wanted. Librarian’s vision and architect’s vision are complementary , not opposite . Each one completes the other’s vision. Talk about real needs , and try to avoid prejudices . Say things in advance, at the right moment! (Sometimes it’s too late!)

15. Architecture quality Low visual impact Good space layout Environmentally suitable Clear access … Competition project

16. Ground floor

17. First floor

18. Shelving and collection layout

20. Conclusions 4

22. IGNASI BONET PEITX Architect of Library Architecture Unit [email_address] www.diba.cat/biblioteques THANK-YOU! 14th LIBER Architecture Group Seminar BUDAPEST – APRIL 2008 Building on experience: learning from the past to plan fo the future