Hopefully I'll be able to get involved in getting Horowhenua library to reconsider the new design to expand the library - have a look and let me know what you think of it as it currently stands. This is how it currently looks - a little tired but still not devoid of style - just needs a good eye to bring out the best of her.


Stage 0ne of the new design

This is what the architect would like to do with her



When I initially saw the plans in the library my reaction was so acute (I hated it with a passion!) I marched on down to the Council buildings and asked if I could have a copy of the plans and, after asking a few questions, they suggested I phone the architect and have a chat with him. Which I duly did.

When I met with the architect who has been appointed to the project he conceded that the exterior design was “harsh” however he maintained any improvements will be too expensive. Of real concern is the fact that the library staff and most of the community hate the exterior design.


The library is expanding into the former Countdown building - they are keeping the front and the architect has said that they have hardly spent any time on the exterior (it shows!). They changes largely involve painting it "mental ward" green and adding towers which he says are for aesthetic purposes only and expensive to build. Apparently these are to show people where the entrance is. Feedback from the community is that these imposing forms look like gun towers. Not a very welcoming association is it?

Here is some of the feedback about the current design I have gathered so far:

Yuk

It could be a petrol station

It looks like Stalag 13

It’s a bit bleak. A bit square

Fits Levin – looks old

The more I think about it the more austere it is. It would be a shame not to revise the design prior to building – a real missed opportunity.

Tawa library is brilliant – they kept the early 70’s design and tinkered with it – added a bit more.

Ugly

Boring. Dead.

Oppressive

It looks like what you’d expect

The design is harsh. It has to be rectangular because that’s how the materials come – curves (or other visually interesting forms) would be too expensive. To be honest we have hardly spent any time on the outside. The design will NOT be changing. (The architect.)

Had a good look at the design - uninspiring. I know they probably have cost and functionality issues but it doesn't speak to me of the community and culture it is a part of.

I think it will frighten children

It amazes me that councils all over Aotearoa have no concept about Architecture & Urban Design and the effects it has on the community. I am no Architect but I know what works. Check out attached for the Papamoa Library. At least this building talks to its people and opens dialogue. The proposed concept was aimed at engaging and energizing the existing urban fabric by integrating it with the beach landscape. Anyway, thats my rant... ;)

Boring. Blocky. Old. Like a barrier. It’s an abortion – not very nice at all.


When I met with the architect he challenged me by accusing me of imposing my own views on others (interesting comments given that many people involved in this project say they don't feel like they have been listened to!) The feedback above gives me the passion, courage, confidence and hope to challenge the current design and press for something way more inspired and human/e.

A yearning for something more natural
I'm interested in natural architecture - so going to see if we can soften a bit without blowing budget (which is the "excuse" for the current sterile design). It will be a good project for my end of year portfolio anyway. Meeting with one of the councillors tomorrow to see how open they may be to revising design slightly.


The need for change

By far this was the strongest reaction that I witnessed first hand: “That bloody Hitler building! I’ve seen better looking bunkers on the north coast of Denmark. Those gun towers - that’s what the German’s built all around the edge of Berlin...gun towers with slits in them. How the hell does that motivate anyone to come in here.” The poor man looked so distraught I thought he was going to have a heart attack. He was so angry and upset I felt sick at the thought of this building ever being built.

Thoughts to ponder:

“Good urban design creates great communities”

“The Library was not only a book collection but also a sanctuary....for travellers...the building was a landmark...”it will prove a spring from which only blessed waters will flow.” (Source, Levin The Making of a Town pg 1001)

“Bad architecture is in the end as much a failure of psychology as of design.” Alain de Botton, author of The Architecture of Happiness.

“One eye sees and the other feels.” Paul Klee, artist

“It’s hard to tackle change if you don’t realize you have a problem.” Andrew Barclay, architect

“In a world that has grown rational and cold and has lost much of its meaning, architects and designers, like other people, are looking back to ancient archetypes for more direction and inspiration.” David Pearson, architect

“Returning to the roots of design as a way of enriching people’s lives.” Yves Behar, designer.

“Design is many things, but to us it’s essential that it will help you to ease your mind and eyes.” Design Denmark


“Many people are saying that this is a landmark building, a work of art and our people are saying, “that’s where I go to work, and I think that is special.” Snr employee working in London’s “Gerkhin.”

“Sustainability makes life easier, is more economical and it has to be the way we think in the future.” Peter Stutchbury, architect.


“We would be blaming a lack of inspiration on poverty by proposing that a tight budget always condemned a building to ugliness – as a visit to the wealthy suburbs of Riyadh and the shopkeepers houses of Sienna will rapidly and poignantly attest.”
Alain de Botton, author of The Architecture of Happiness.


The call for something more natural

As you may know from earlier posts I have a real passion for organic, natural architecture. Like Frank Lloyd Wright my passion is stirred by my affinity to the land. Perhaps, as the quote below suggests, it also stems from my innately challenging and fun loving nature.


“Organic architects are often very individual characters. Some like to be maverick, provocative and even anti-establishment. Their architecture feels youthful and playful with a childlike love of fun.” Renzo Piano, Italian Architect.

I think the reason my passions have been so stirred by the Horowhenua project is because of my acute sense of fairness and democracy - something that appears to have been neglected in the current design process. Lack of community consultation, marginalisation of local IWI and a feeling by Library staff that they are not listened to seeps out of this design - it's ugly through and through.

Architecture should be of the people, for the people - I see the role of an architect as facilitating hopes and dreams not imposing his or her world view on an unsuspecting public. I feel design should be a collaborative process where ever possible 0 hence the reason for finding out how people feel and what to feel about THEIR library.

As organic architect Balkrishna Doshi powerfully attests:
"Buildings are meant for people - this includes literate, illiterate, young and old...each individual, each community has it's own preferences. Hence they should be allowed to express themselves symbolically...form should not be finite but should be amorphous so that the experience within is loose, meandering and multiple."

He also goes on to say:

"Organic design places special emphaisi on developing a sensitive and creative relationship with both the client and the users of the building. Designing from the "inside out" means that instead of having preconceived ideas about form and structure design begins with the community and the people and expresses their needs and wishes, even their personal idiosyncrasies."

Funky furniture, listening hubs, a grass roof and an mini grand piano - no it's not the latest Big Brother house but Cardiff's spanking new library. Check out how funky a library can be here:


In case you are thinking that great aesthetics are a luxury cash strapped economies can't afford check how an organically designed toilet transformed one New Zealand city.

From a sleepy hollow just off the tourist track through the Bay of Islands, the Kawakawa township has burgeoned into a "must see" mecca for Hundertwasser devotees worldwide.

It all happened as a result of a public toilet - probably the most unlikely building to have ever captured international visitor attention anywhere. The project has already attracted both French and Japanese television documentary teams to Kawakawa, together with international visitors already beginning to number in the thousands. Bus tours pull up outside for photo sessions, travelers familiar with Hundertwasser's work in Europe are making special visits to the Bay of Islands rural township, and domestic visitors are making a stopover for both practical and philosophical reasons. Already there are clear indications of an economic impact in the small town's retail sector and this very public loo has given people san experience like no other!

What other libraries are doing

I have already been touring around some of the regions other libraries - including the ultra modern Paraparaumu Library, recently restored Tawa Library (Athfield Architects); and Newtown Library (which is a really lovely, warm, light filled space) where many people seek comfort, connection and education -as they do in many libraries.

A friend posted me these images of Papamoa Library."At least this building talks to its people and opens dialogue. The proposed concept was aimed at engaging and energizing the existing urban fabric by integrating it with the beach landscape. " he wrote in his email.


Libraries overseas
If these libraries can get funky Levin can too!

These images are of Cardiff Library.



Sweden's library is funky and friendly too:
Here are images of Hjørring Library by Bosch-fjord. I like the rounded shapes and playful ribbon like thread that weaves around the interior.

Then there is Kansas City Public Library. They've run with the book theme - literally!








A reminder of what Horowhenua is, or WAS (if my ideas re listened to), planning to do

It's time to break free of the box. Click here to see some of my inspiration as I begin to create a more organic, natural form

Labels: architecture