A poetry pavilion made of beer crates does not sound like a promising start for a public library. But Karo* Architects could see their vision for what it was, not for the way it was rendered. So when the local people of Salbke, who wanted to energise and regenerate their neighbourhood, chose such a radical design for their new public library, they wanted to see if it would actually work. To test it they built a 1 to 1 model from beer crates! When it attracted a two day poetry festival they new they were on to something!
The library is now completed and the new building certainly creates a landmark. More importantly perhaps it has also helped to engender a self belief into the local community and a sense of civic pride that they have managed to create something that has attracted international attention. Local residents are right to feel a sense of achievement and empowered to address other issues in their neighbourhood.
Gratitude to busyboo for bringing this to my attention.
