Exterior view of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Entrance Verandah of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Central Courtyard of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
The core concept evolved into three covered spaces: two study areas and a book stacking space, concentric to a central court participatory to all other areas. All these placed on the existing plinth, a fourth pavilion was added at the front to create a semi-covered entrance and arrival space for the library. A series of steps guide visitors from the road to a lower level, transformed into an informal gathering space at the entrance. The first pavilion, featuring a generous opening with a load-bearing arch, extends a warm welcome. This covered verandah, intended for newspaper and magazine racks, invites the elderly to read and relax freely.
From this verandah, one enters the central courtyard, which leads to the book stacking area at the front and two reading rooms on either side. These rooms, oriented perpendicular to the temple complex, ensure tranquillity for the students, shielded from public activity noise. They open solely into the courtyard, providing a versatile space as needed.
Central Courtyard of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Central Courtyard of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
View from courtyard of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Strategically facing the temple, the book stacking area beckons villagers with visible, colourful book covers from the street and temple pavilion. To enhance visibility, the stacking area remains open towards the courtyard, with two large sliding shutters. These shutters not only reveal the bookshelf but also transform into writable blackboards when closed. This duality allows the courtyard to morph into an outdoor classroom for children, a workshop space for youth, and a night school for the village women, fostering a vibrant educational ecosystem.
Reading room of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Reading room of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
The design features high-pitched roofs for the study rooms, oriented east-west. This orientation ensures the escape of hot air, seamless cross-ventilation, diffused lighting, and captivating views of the sky and surrounding trees.
Being an NGO project, our design needed to be multifunctional, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. This presided over our choice of material and construction method. The entire structure is a load bearing with expansive arched openings. The pitched roof was made using corrugated metal sheets and the floor finish was done using locally available stone.
Keeping all the prerequisites in mind, we aspired to create a spatial experience that offers tranquility for reading, inclusivity for learning, playfulness for children, and secure book stacking within an open design ethos. These aspirations were realized through the spatial organization of pavilions around a central court, with openings meticulously crafted to optimize light, ventilation, and participatory engagement.
View from reading room of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Aerial view of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Site Plan of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Ground Floor Plan of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Section of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
Section of Rural Library by pk_iNCEPTiON
