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24-01-2026

Photographer : Saurabh Suryan

Text provided by Architect

The libraries of the Future; A Management school library reimagined

Traditional libraries are seeing a shift in paradigm globally. The book collection or storage-based libraries are changing to a more user centric model which are powered by a large variety of digital services. This phenomenon has allowed for a tectonic shift in the organisation and spatial configuration of the classical Library. The libraries of tomorrow aspire to offer knowledge to a fast-developing E-society where the library is not only a space for learning but also a place for meeting.

The image of the Future library is no more a sacred ‘Temple of silence’ or a strong ‘Fortress for books’. It can be perceived as a place for exchange of knowledge and ideas. A ‘Transceiver’ that can disseminate information and knowledge beyond the boundaries of the physical library.

This new trajectory of knowledge exchange ushers in a disruption in the Library’s ‘passiveness of space ‘defined by its book stacking system to move towards a ‘pro-cognitive learning system’. A system that allows for multi-sensory access of information that is driven by digital technologies to support the analogue knowledge world with its spatial limitations. Access to a variety of net-library services, individual and self-service reservations and MY-Library functions and e-learning facilities are driving this rapid change.

Mumbai,Maharashtra,India

Architects	:	Mobile Offices
Area	:	12916.69 sq. ft.
Year of Completion	:	2025
Website	:	https://www.instagram.com/mobile_offices/?hl=en

Amphitheater of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Information Retrieval of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

The library now functions as a dynamic event space and a pivotal point in the building that can provide opportunities for dialogue, inspiration, contemplation and exchange to greatly enrich community engagement and foster a vibrant, interactive learning environment. The library can now support activities like conferences, theatre, large collaborative work hubs, discussion rooms, and study / reading rooms.

The flat horizontal Library floor plate is reconstructed as an oblique raked floor by creating a double height gathering space as an amphitheatre for events such as talks, book launches or film screenings connecting the two levels of the library. The underside of the raked seating is a digital and tech hub space that houses the digital servers, projection facilities, batteries racks and electrical room.

Information Retrieval of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Staircase of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Research Terminal of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

The transformation of the library revolves around the hermetic storage and access of knowledge. The physical library of books and publication stacks arranged in a staccato rhythm coupled with the reading tables make way for a Haptic interactive screen interface with hi-speed server connectivity. The library has moved from collection volumes to connections of knowledge through data access. And the seating gets transformed into zones of silence for individual learning along the glazing providing ample light that fosters reading and learning.

Research Terminal of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Individual Study Pods of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Individual & Group Study Pods of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Discussion Pod of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

Stacks of K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library by Mobile Offices

The future library is now a human-centric learning centre for community collaboration, interaction, and events! It promotes– New insights, learning and understanding, zones for Concentration, Contemplation and sections for access to Cultural experiences.

The future oriented K.J. Somaiya Institute of Management Library is a collaboration between the visionary management and its forward-thinking Faculty that was conceived and designed as an enriching space for a shared purpose.