Library Refurbishment Project: Can Peixauet
Refurbishment project for the library of the Can Peixauet Institute, Santa Coloma de Gramanet.
After a long period of being 100% involved in various projects and not having time for our weekly publications, we are back once again to showcase our completed projects.
After assessing the state of the facilities, looking at the capacity of the space by taking measurements, and evaluating the possibilities in the first instance, we sat down with the client to understand their needs. Having a background in the furniture for cultural spaces and libraries sector, we were able to make provisional proposals to guide and facilitate communication with the institute’s administration.
The first thing to consider was the capacity the space required, as it is frequently used by students during the school year, even during break time. We also had to take into account that it was a secondary school; therefore, we could not use just any type of material; the requirements were: resistance and durability. The last of the demands to consider was that it had to be a multipurpose space; meaning that, at any given time, academic activities such as classes or training talks, etc., could take place there.
Taking all these management points from the Briefing into account, we moved on to the next phase: making proposals based on the actual space. To do this, we created a floor plan with real measurements and began the distribution and sizing of the furniture to determine the actual capacity of the space, develop several options, and select the best one.
With the proposals in hand, we had a second meeting with the client to explain the type of furniture and the layout we were proposing. After presenting our options, the most suitable one was chosen, and the type of furniture was evaluated. Once agreement was reached on all points, we proceeded with the refurbishment of the space, which initially looked like this.
As they required book storage (as in any library), we offered them one of the most resistant shelves possible: NOVA, designed by Iduna Editors. It features a metal structure and white lacquered sheet steel cladding, without a back, to integrate it into the architectural language of the building: exposed concrete blocks, construction flooring, etc.
For the desks program, it had to follow the same characteristics as the shelving we chose. Thus, our proposal had to be the Adapta Plus model designed by JG Group, an ergonomic desk. Thanks to its high-resistance phenolic top and ABS plastic edges, it provides resistance to frequent use, such as in a high school library. The structure of this desk is made of square steel tubing, so the issue of durability was more than covered.
For the chairs program, we had to find an element that, under the technical-economic conditions, met the requirements of the administration. We decided that the Vesper model, designed by Colos, would be the best option due to its resistant lacquered round steel tube structure and the seat made of high-resistance injected technopolymer. Furthermore, the proposed color palette was very well received by the client, so we had fulfilled our task.
And this is the final result of the entire space, fitted with the appropriate ergonomic furniture.
Personally, we believe there is no such thing as a large or small interior design project; it all depends on the professionalism and dedication you put into it. Every space to be fitted, renovated, designed, or reconstructed has its value when it falls into our hands, which is why we strive to do our best.
