A Space to Read, Relax, and Respect
At Sundsvalls Stadsbibliotek in Sweden, increased socializing by young visitors disrupted the library’s peaceful atmosphere and sense of security. Industrial Designers at Mittuniversitetet spent two days observing and engaging with users to understand the issue. We discovered a need for a dedicated social space, which led us to redesign the library layout and décor. By creating a cozy, calm reading and study area and relocating social zones closer to staff, we restored a safer, more focused environment that better serves all visitors.
Goal
To redesign Sundsvalls Stadsbibliotek’s interior spaces to foster a peaceful, secure environment that encourages focused reading and studying, while providing dedicated social areas that meet the needs of young visitors without disrupting others.
Team
Industrial Designer
Company
Sundsvall Municipality
Timeline
Nov 2020 - Dec 2020
The yellow circle was moved from the red marker to another location. Instead, the room marked in red was developed into a study and focus room.
The green circle was moved from the red marker to another location and became a hang-out area where teens could be with their friends.
The blue circle was decorated by a famous graffiti artist from Sundsvall.
Results
Successfully created a more peaceful and secure environment that supports focused study and reading.
Designed a dedicated social space that meets the needs of young visitors, reducing noise and overcrowding in other areas.
Enhanced overall visitor satisfaction by balancing social interaction with quiet zones.
Improved staff oversight and engagement by relocating social areas closer to service points.
Fostered a safer, more welcoming atmosphere encouraging broader use of the library’s intended purpose.