Urban Roles of Public Buildings and Spaces

1. Matej Nikšič
Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia
– .
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions; Webinar, February 20th 2024
National and university library, Wikimedia Commons

2. 1 _ historical overview
2 _ contemporary roles
3 _ contemporary urban planning
and architectural design

3. Public buildings and their significance in urban structure
Source: Leon Krier, Architecture Choice or Fate, Windsor, Birks, UK: Andreas Papadakis Publisher, 1998, p30
Leon Krier’s Res Publica Res Economica Civitas ideogram

4. Evolution of public buildings and their functions
Atenskey.com
social, cultural, economic, communal, symbolic etc. functions Ancient Civilizations

5. Evolution of public buildings and their functions
Torun City Hall, Wkimedia Commons
social, cultural, economic, communal, symbolic etc. functions Medieval Period

6. Evolution of public buildings and their functions
social, cultural, economic, communal, symbolic etc. functions Renaissance and Baroque
La Ca Granda, Milan; Wikimedia Commons

7. Evolution of public buildings and their functions
social, cultural, economic, communal, symbolic etc. functions Industrial Revolution
St Pancras, London, Wikimedia commons

8. Evolution of public buildings and their functions
social, cultural, economic, communal, symbolic etc. functions Modern Period
Oodi, Helsinki, Wikimedia commons

9. Diverse contemporary typologies and roles of public buildings
• Educational institutions :
libraries, schools, universities - and their impact on urban life
• Cultural centres :
museums, theatres, art galleries - and their role in promoting cultural identity
• Civic spaces :
city halls, courthouses - and their contribution to democratic processes

10. Urban Development vs Urban Regeneration
Implications and priorities of urban transformation strategies in contemporary cities
Urban Development: overall growth and expansion of urban
areas, including the creation of new infrastructure, buildings
and amenities. Urban development often involves both
physical and socio-economic changes within a city or
metropolitan region. It encompasses various aspects such as
land use planning, transportation systems, housing and
economic development.
Urban Regeneration: focuses on revitalizing and improving
existing urban areas that may be experiencing decline or decay.
It involves the renewal of infrastructure, upgrading of buildings,
enhancement of public spaces and often incorporates
strategies to address social and economic issues. Urban
regeneration projects aim to breathe new life into neglected or
underutilized areas, fostering community engagement and
sustainable development.

11. Sustainable development
SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY:
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY:
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY:
built environments that will be:
livable, socially just, will strengthen the community, will offer the
staging for the social capital to thrive, will provide public goods for
common purposes
respectful to ecosystems and people’s health, moderate in resources
consumption
maintaining the economic activity while preserving the quality of the
environment and keeping the social systems stable
Sustainable development
-
-
-

12. Physical and functional structure of the city
MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE
THEMATIC AND UNTHEMATIC TISSUES

13. Physical and functional structure of the city
MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE
THEMATIC AND UNTHEMATIC TISSUES

14. Physical and functional structure of the city
MORPHOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE
THEMATIC AND UNTHEMATIC TISSUES

15. Importance of public buildings in fostering community engagement and social cohesion
Central Library in Calgary. Image credit: Unsplash / Juan Ferrari
heart of community where neighbours and real life takes place

16. Dynamic nature of libraries
“Public libraries are not what they used to be. Even though
many critical voices, especially from the cultural elite, mourn
the loss of the “knowledge temple”, new public libraries in
cities are re-conceptualizing their design, activities and
facilities as an answer to new user needs and to the cities
attempts to brand themselves, to attract visitors and to
strengthen milieus generating ideas and innovation.”
Skot-Hansen et al, 2012

17. The Evolving Role of Public Libraries
• transition from traditional libraries to modern community hubs
• multi-functional spaces: maker spaces, coworking areas, event venues, etc.
• collaborative partnerships: engaging with local organisations and businesses

18. CONTEMPORARY PUBLIC LIBRARY
through urban planning lens
Respectful to urban heritage
LocHal Library, Tilburg,
source: civicarchitects
Excellent accesibility
by green mobility
Establishing
urban/local centrality
Multifunctional
social hub where
locals and visitors
meet
Centre of information,
knowledge, culture and art
production and exchanges,
creativity node
City brend
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of
behavioral change
and technological
advancement
Promotor of nature based
solutions
Creativity
hub

19. City brend
Respectful to urban heritage
LocHal Library, Tilburg,
Netherlands
source: Magere Hein
The LocHal represents a revolutionary shift in the library paradigm. Regarded as 'the next frontier in public library design' by experts, it transcends conventional notions by integrating traditional
book-centric services with innovative platforms for knowledge creation. Through its architectural design, the LocHal encourags a culture of curatorship, empowering visitors to actively engage
with experts and fellows, thus enriching their learning experience. Functioning as a dynamic hub of knowledge exchange, the building serves as a covered public space, accommodating a diverse
range of amenities shared by the library, arts organizations, and co-working facilities. Beyond offering spaces for lectures and public gatherings, the LocHal features specialized 'labs' where visitors
can get new skills and engage in hands-on learning experiences.

20. Excellent accesibility
by green mobility
Establishing urban
centrality
Centre of information,
knowledge, culture and art
production and exchanges,
creativity node
City brend
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of
social/behavioral and
technological
advancement
Respectful to urban heritage
Multifunctional social hub
where locals and visitors meet
ImaginOn, Charlotte,
North Carolina, USA
source: PPS
ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center stands is a youth-centric destination nestled in Charlotte at the heart of the vibrant cultural arts district. This collaborative venture between the Charlotte
Mecklenburg Library and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is a sprawling 102,000-square-foot facility known as the premier children’s library in the United States. Welcoming over 300,000 visitors
annually, ImaginOn boasts two theaters, a dedicated library area tailored for children aged 11 and under, four versatile classrooms, a designated library space exclusively for teens, a state-of-the-
art multimedia production studio and interactive exhibition areas.

21. CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY
through urban planning lens
Respectful to urban heritage
Low energy consumption
and excellent accesibility
by green mobility
Establishing urban
centrality
City brend
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of
social/behavioral and
technological
advancement
Berkley Public Library,
California, USA
source: agati
West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library spans 9,500 square feet and holds the title of California's inaugural certified Living Building Challenge zero net energy public library. Achieving this
milestone involved a well-thought approach to energy conservation with a focus on maximizing natural light (resulting in 97% daylighting), implementing natural ventilation and incorporating an
innovative building envelope design. Innovation is also a wind chimney system facilitating cross-ventilation while shielding the library from external noise disturbances. The building also exploits
renewable energy through the installation of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels, supporting radiant heating and cooling systems as well as meeting the demand for domestic hot water.

22. CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY
through urban planning lens
Excellent accesibility
by green mobility
Establishing urban
centrality
Multifunctional
social hub where
locals and visitors
meet
City brend
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of nature
based solutions and
technical advancement
University Library, Warsaw,
Poland
source: Wikimedia Commonsries/
Warsaw University Library building integrates modern functionality with respect for the surrounding environment, creating a diverse architectural complex. Its monumental facade on Dobra
Street, adorned with symbolic panels representing literary excerpts from various cultures, stands as a testament to the library's commitment to cultural diversity. The use of patinated copper
throughout the exterior, including rooftop gardens and facades, not only harmonizes with the building's surroundings but also promotes sustainable practices through the integration of green
elements, fostering behavioral change and technological advancement. Additionally, the incorporation of historical elements, such as the steel structure from a 19th-century warehouse, serves as
a symbolic bridge between the past and present.

23. Centre of information,
knowledge, culture and art
production and exchanges,
creativity node
Community-proud
anchor
Respectful to urban heritage
Multifunctional
social hub where
locals and visitors
meet
City brend
WU Bibliothek, Vienna,
Austria
source: Wikimedia Commons
The centrally located Library & Learning Center, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, serves as the heart of the university campus. Its overhanging roof, visible from afar, overlooks Prater Park, while
its striking glass-fronted monitor enhances its prominence. The building's exterior features contrasting light and dark sections, delineated by glass seams, with colored fiber-reinforced concrete
facades. Housing study-related service centers and the WU University Library, Austria's largest business and economics library, the building's impressive entrance hall, known as the Forum,
welcomes visitors into a futuristic, four-story space. Inside, wide spiral ramps and stairways lead to the Central Library, spanning six stories and offering panoramic views of Prater Park from its
glass-fronted student work area. Additionally, the building accommodates two Ceremonial Halls for public events, conferences and meetings, while the Forum serves as an ideal venue for various
gatherings.

24. CONTEMPORARY LIBRARY
through urban planning lens
Excellent accesibility
by green mobility
Establishing
urban/local centrality
Multifunctional
social hub where
locals and visitors
meet
City brend
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of creativity
Central Library, Vancouver,
Canada
source: anderson
The Central Library in Vancouver is a promoter of innovative and inclusive architectural design. It embraces principles of sustainability, community engagement, and accessibility. Architecturally, it
promotes openness and connectivity, with its iconic design symbolizing Vancouver's commitment to knowledge, culture, and civic pride. Moreover, the library serves as a hub for social
interaction, learning, and creativity, reflecting contemporary trends in library design that prioritize user experience and adaptability.

25. Centre of information,
knowledge, culture and art
production and exchanges,
creativity node
Community-proud
anchor
Promotor of
social/behavioral and
technological
advancement
Respectful to urban heritage
Multifunctional
social hub where
locals and visitors
meet
City brend
Establishing urban/
local centrality
StoryPod, Newmarket, Canada
source: ebookfriendly
The StoryPod in Newmarket, Canada, is a unique architectural installation that serves as a community-focused storytelling space. It provides a welcoming environment where people can gather to
share and listen to stories, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Architecturally, the StoryPod is designed to be visually appealing and accessible, encouraging people of all ages and
backgrounds to engage with storytelling in a meaningful way. It often features innovative design elements and may incorporate technology to enhance the storytelling experience.

26. CASE STUDY
National and University
Library, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Arch. Plečnik, 1930-31
https://www.nuk.uni-lj.si/eng/nuk/history
Bevk Perović arhitekti, 2011-12
https://bevkperovic.com/project/nuk-2/

27. Bevk Perović arhitekti

28. Bevk Perović arhitekti

29. Bevk Perović arhitekti

30. Bevk Perović arhitekti

31. Bevk Perović arhitekti

32. Bevk Perović arhitekti

33. Bevk Perović arhitekti

34. Bevk Perović arhitekti

35. Bevk Perović arhitekti

44. LEED
standard for green building design, construction, operations and performance

45. Interdisciplinarity
the architect-librarian team
ensuring excellence
in library design
sources: manitoba, clacommunityled
Inclusive design
across stakeholders and
decision-making levels,
including end users

46. Thank you for your attention!
matej.niksic@uirs.si
Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia