Home >
Microlibraries in Indonesia
2021-03-04 ICCSD

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_20210303103645

Warak Kayu Microlibrary  Photo by KIE

In 2012, SHAU started the "100 Microlibraries" initiative to increase reading interest by creating socially-performative multifunctional community spaces with environmentally-conscious design and materials, which aim to serve low-income neighborhoods Indonesia. Since 2016, five microlibraries have been built in different locations throughout Indonesia.

01  Warak Kayu Microlibrary

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_202103031036451

Microlibrary Warak Kayu  Photo by KIE

Their latest addition, the Microlibrary Warak Kayu, is located in Semarang, Central Java. Designed by SHAU and prefabricated by PT Kayu Lapis Indonesia, this project is a community, private sector and government collaboration - a gift from Arkatama Isvara Foundation to the City of Semarang. The microlibrary charges no entry fee and is run by Harvey Center - a locally-embedded charity group in Semarang - in coordination with the local government.

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_202103031036452

Microlibrary Warak Kayu  Photo by KIE

Architecturally it represents SHAU's passive climate design, material and typology experimentation for the tropical context. The whole building is elevated, like a traditional 'rumah panggung' (house on stilts) so that the space allows various spatial configurations, multiple programs and a wide range of activities. Built at Taman Kasmaran, a public square in the city center, this structure does not only function as library but also becomes a neighborhood and community center, at the same time being used to promote Indonesian engineered wood products and manufacturing capabilities.

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_202103031036453

Double-layer Activity Space  Photo by KIE

SHAU seeks to add value to a place via a microlibrary. They usually choose places which are already in use by a local community. Each microlibrary is uniquely designed to fit programmatic demands of each communities and site potentials. Due to different partners and funding models of specific microlibraries, the design and implementation approaches vary. However, plugging in on top of existing activities and enhancing rather than changing the nature of a place has been the main principle.

02  Microlibrary Bima

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_202103031036454

Outlook of Microlibrary Bima  Photo by Sanrok Studio

The first realized building of the series, the Microlibrary Bima, completed in 2016, is located at a small square at Taman Bima in Bandung. It has a preexisting stage which was already in use by the local community for gatherings, events, hanging out and sports activities. SHAU decided to enhance the open stage by shading it, making it rain protected therefore covering it in form of the floating library box. Perhaps the most unique feature of Microlibrary Bima is the façade made from more than 2,000 re-used ice cream buckets which are arranged in form of a binary code saying: "buku adalah jendela dunia" - books are the windows to the world.

Microlibraries in Indonesia_fororder_微信图片_202103031036455

Interior of  Microlibrary Bima  Photo by Sanrok Studio

Through community-run microlibraries, SHAU proposes to provide a new scale between the central libraries and mobile libraries into the national system of libraries. In the long run, SHAU envisions the expand ability of the microlibraries in Southeast Asia and the Global South - where similar situations are shared - thus opening mutual collaboration with more architects, sponsors, communities and municipalities.

Tag: