Hjørring Central Library

Rune Fjord, Rosan Bosch designed the Hjørring Central Library in Denmark.

Description from the architects:

In Hjørring, the vision for a future library has become a reality in the new shopping mall , the Metropole, designed by schmidt hammer lassen. Focusing on the library’s role in society, a forward-looking setting for the modern library’s communication and organisation of material and knowledge has been created. In close cooperation with the library’s employees and management, a new platform for communication and experiences has been developed that turns the library into a multi-functional experience and knowledge centre.

In line with the changes in society, the role of the library has changed. Today and in the future, people will visit the library in order to get experiences and stimulate their need for learning. In light of this, it was important to focus on the new social role of the library and make the library into a sort of meeting place that encour¬ages engagement as well as active participation and development.

The heart and pivotal point of the new library is a physical communication structure that twists and winds its way through the library, breaking through walls, floors and bookcases. Sometimes a counter, sometimes a table, sometimes a section of shelves, the structure points, guides and tempts the visitors to explore the library area. The band works as a decoration and an active communication tool for the library staff. The same is the case with the bubble wall, which has large holes for exhibiting and presenting reviews, and the poet’s staircase, at the top of which the listener is confronted with a giant mouth reciting poems.

In developing Hjørring Central Library, it was essential to create an emotional connection between the children’s area and the general section of the library. This focus has resulted in a deliberate youth¬fulness in the library and a sliding and balanced transition between offers for children, youth and adults. The library has stops for every taste and all generations – shared as well as separate. Hjørring Central Library is a new kind of library. It is a place that meets all visitors’ needs for inspiration, experiences and personal development.