Developed with All in Awe and collaborators, Pup completed a library pop-up on Peterborough’s high street in summer 2021. The 200sqm retail unit was transformed into a flexible space for public programming and community enterprises: powered by citizens and open to everyone.
The pop-up is the first in a series of library projects, as a part of Civic’s Future Libraries Initiative. This is a pioneering project whose aim is to enhance the public library service in the UK, empowering libraries to play a vital role at the heart of communities.
The team designed a dynamic kit of parts and established a set of design principles, with the ambition to use them to transform thousands of libraries, community spaces and abandoned retail spaces on high streets around the UK and beyond. The space is designed to help people navigate, discover, connect, create and to grow. It is a flexible home for unlikely allies to come together to promote all that Peterborough has to offer.
Client
Date
2021
Location
Peterborough
Budget
Undisclosed
Future Libraries Initiative
The Future Libraries Initiative begins in Peterborough Central and is being developed across a further six prototype libraries that reflect the diversity of libraries across the joint authority: Peterborough Central, Thorney, Wisbech, Soham, Cambridge Central, Northstowe (future new library) and Brampton. The project provides the opportunity for residents, local businesses, local voluntary sector representatives, regular library users and the broader public to shape the future of their libraries - from what you can do within them to how they look, feel and support local people.
Opportunities for learning and new skills are promoted via City College, City Culture, a library corner, the Summer Reading Challenge, book giveaways, health screenings, career advice, coffee mornings and an environmentally friendly school uniform swap shop.
1/17