Library Bouwlust

Library Bouwlust in The Hague is more than just books. The modern library functions as the core of the neighbourhood, where residents can meet each other in a fresh, light and open place, surrounded by books, culture and activities.

MULTIFUNCTIONaL Meeting spot

Library Bouwlust was established thanks to an initiative of residents and organisation from the neighbourhood. Their effort to get the location previously closed for budget reasons back, was followed up by the municipality and they decided to realise a library in Bouwlust again. The new location had to become a multifunctional meeting spot for the different groups of people in the neighbourhood, A library and a meeting space where everyone feels at home.

OASis IN the city

René Mensink, interior architect and responsible for the complete interior design of the library: “Bibliotheek Bouwlust is an oasis in the city which tempts with books and invites to read, discover and meet. I chose a functional and playful interior, in which young and old are tempted to take a book. The library also offers to possibility to meet each other for taking courses, joining activities and readings or to talk to each other while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.”

FReSh, LIgHT and OPEN

Fresh, light, open and bright are the starting points on which the interior design is based, suiting the idea of an oasis. There has been worked a lot from natural materials, like light oak elements, a green wall and oak wooden stems at the entrance. For the reception and meeting area with catering facility, a LVT-floor from Amtico from the Spacia collection was used. René: “A pure floor forming a beautiful connecting base between the different components and rooms with its grey stone-like look. On the one hand it colours well with the oak wooden elements and the sand coloured floor in the adjacent library area and on the other hand with the fresh white and light blue details. The floor also creates a tough contrast together with the sliding barriers which can be closed when the library closes.”

PROJECT DETAILS

Design René Mensink interior architect 
Installer Prolance
Photography Chris van Koeverden
Product Amtico Spacia 0,55 PU SS5S3071 Gallery Concrete