D.S.M. - first critique - 'Library'

Today we had our first critique for DSM - the topic for my group was to do something more for a Library. 

In preparation for the crit I brought along a couple of mind maps and a mood board, to try and explore the subject without investigating a particular Library because the final outcome can be fictional. 

Exploring current problems and connotations with libraries

Exploring different ideas on how to resolve these problems

The idea of reinventing a library as a concept is really difficult, but nonetheless enjoyable, since there are a lot of connotations and opinions around library spaces to explore.

I found that a lot of problems with public libraries today is that they feel very clinical, council-funded and uncomfortable. They lack colours and inspiration and fail to attract large audiences, especially since reading material is now so readily available online. 

The main ideas I had were that the Library is an archive of different accounts, like time capsules. They hold information suspended in a place in time and it's interesting in itself. This idea plays upon the relatable feelings we had to 20 years ago, when we were happy to get 1 email because we celebrated the digital vs now where we're happy to receive one letter because tactility is not in the norm anymore.

Another idea I had was another angle to the tactility of books in the unusual idea that they 'smell' - they're real and can be held. They're full of texture and there's always something pleasurable about not having to charge them, they're always there for you when your phone runs out of battery.

These two ideas could be merged together as they both celebrate tactility.

When I presented my ideas to the group, DSM were very welcoming and positive, and encouraged me to choose 1 to take further. I was really inspired by my group, who also had an array of different ideas such as holding events in a library, serving food, putting on gigs and exhibitions, library vending machines and zine archives.

The crit re instated that the brief is completely open to interpretation and the ideas can go beyond just branding and marketing, but the way we conduct business in libraries, or even if they should be called libraries at all! They inspired me for yet another idea: a bus stop library. You could check out a book at the stop, read it at the stop or on the bus, and return it to the next stop. This could also be applied to train travel, air travel etc.

DSM explained that our next and final critique is 8th December, where we will be showing our finished concepts. They would also like a PDF emailing to go with the presentation.