La Bibliothèque Salon is not an interior. Its a vision, not for the future but a direction for the next decade where the new focus is about texture and craftsmanship instead of superficial visual satisfaction. A library is an introvert space that gives you shelter and comfort, but does not distract the attention from the books as the main starting element of the designing process.

But a library also offers you a place to sit and relax, the surrounding atmosphere for an interesting conversation whilst giving the user a sense of comfort and sanctity. A large silver travertine cube is placed in the middle of a rectangular space. It is a room in a room with the propose to find an inner focus.

The perfect symmetry give you an immediate sense of control of the space and a sense of serenity. The selection of materials, the Quartz paint, the unfilled honed travertine, all refer to the art work of Stefan Vanfleteren as the rough surface of hand-made paper. Details of craftsmanship can be visible in every object we designed.

We were asked to design a library for a Dutch interior design fair. As it is relatively simple to imagine yourself a library, we tried to approach the subject more thematically. So we asked ourselves two questions: how do we translate the function of a library into a design? How can objects, materials and art displayed in a space strengthen the overall concept?

Our aim was to indulge the visitors in a design concept which does not stop at the first layer of an object or the second of materialization, but it continues in the vision of the Viabizzuno lights and in the constant relationship between the library and the art of Stephen Vanfleteren. All different layers interact each other.

We wanted the library design to be a complete experience where every aspect involved is essential. What we offer is an illusion, like life can only be better with a designer. But is it? Or are we a product of capitalism and materialism? Anyhow. Design should play with your emotions, and that is what our library does. I frightens you, it comforts you and it questions itself. Is a library always only a library?

Framework Studio