Introduction

Libraries today are no longer silent repositories of books—they are dynamic community anchors that support lifelong learning, social interaction, and cultural exchange. The Community Library & Learning Space competition invites architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the library as an inclusive, flexible, and inspiring shared space that nurtures knowledge, creativity, and collective growth.

Participants are challenged to design a contemporary community-focused library that responds to evolving learning needs while fostering interaction across age groups, cultures, and abilities.

Objective

The objective of this competition is to explore innovative architectural solutions that:

• Encourage reading, learning, and informal education

• Promote social inclusion and community engagement

• Adapt to digital and physical modes of knowledge sharing

• Create welcoming, accessible, and inspiring learning environments

Designs should balance functionality, flexibility, and emotional connection to learning.

The Building Program

Participants may define their own program, but the proposal should thoughtfully incorporate the following spaces:

• Public reading areas (children, youth, adults)

• Book stacks and digital media zones

• Flexible learning spaces / workshops

• Community meeting rooms

• Informal gathering and interaction zones

• Administration and staff areas

• Outdoor reading or learning spaces (optional)

• Sanitation and basic services

Designs should allow adaptability for future growth and evolving community needs.

Site

• The site may be selected by the participant

• It should represent a community-oriented context such as an urban neighborhood, suburban area, rural settlement, or underserved locality

• Site selection must be clearly justified in relation to the community it serves