OBA Next is the library of the future. Amsterdam asked for student ideas to make this new library a place where that makes all Amsterdam residents happy. Congratulations to the winning ideas which included a 24-hour concept and offers space for meeting, art and silence.
The Challenge
Students were challenged to build their designs for:
How can we design the OBA Next public library in Amsterdam to be a library of the future; as a place for everyone that is dedicated to knowledge, built sustainably, and connected to the nature around it.
To do this, students were asked to think about what this library will look like inside and outside. The building should connect to the green space and serve as a cultural space for all ages.
The Celebration
Congratulations to the winning ideas which included a 24-hour concept and offers space for meeting, art and silence. A key strength was making space for different community needs, such as including a 3D model to explore the neighbourhood and spaces for guide dogs.
The five-person jury was composed of experts in urban architecture, innovation, and community engagement. Jury members were connected to the development of the new site and included Chair of the Amsterdam-Zuidoost area, the architects, OBA Next, and City of Amsterdam. The finalist teams won an afternoon at an OBA Maakplaats to make their ideas come to life with 3D printers, a vinyl cutter and a laser cutter. Three overall prize winners' designs were shared with the architect responsible for the new library to be included in the further development process, and the winning students were invited to participate in the youth council of OBA Next to think about the future of the library.
About the site
The aim of the new OBA Next library design is to create a beautiful public building that young people in particular are proud of across Amsterdam. The OBA Next library is being built as a place for meeting, inspiration and talent development in a new way.
