Library for a Writer (Library Design, 4)

As I remember, it was several months ago when my wife pointed out Andrew Berman’s Writing Studio and Library online. As with most of the “candidates” for the library design series, this one stuck with me until I was ready to write about it. Here’s a video about it:






http://www.vimeo.com/1696112









Of course the key difference in this, and the other libraries thus far in the series is that this library and studio was designed for one person, a historian, to do her research and writing. Even though there is a major difference there, the same principles apply to the overall design of the space.

As always, there is plenty of natural light, as you can tell from the massive window overlooking the woods (what a view)! i love the skylight up top as well, providing natural light from overhead, as we saw in Renzo Piano’s Morgan Library reading room. There is a large desk for working, as well as ample shelf space for books. I also really appreciate that the small space has a kitchen and a toilet, both essential to be (in a way) self sufficient.

I must confess, though, that the separate library space has always intrigued me since I first saw Philip Johnson’s separate library and studio, as well as Alberto Manguel’s separate library. I love the concept of a separate place for your books (especially if you work with them as part of your career) and a place for your “living.” For me, though, our books in some way are a reflection of who we are, and so have a rightful place in the home.

As I hinted at above, this space, even though it is for one person, shares the key traits of a “good” library space - natural light, and services close at hand. Naturally, being a private library, there is not a librarian on hand, as the writer serves as her own librarian.

What do you think about this space?