Critique of library design of National Library Board's new branches : successes and failures

Abstract

This study provides a critique on the design of two new National Library Board community libraries located at rented premises. The Board intends to set up about 130 libraries in Singapore, in response to the recommendation set out by the Library 2000 Review Committee in the Library 2000 Report. Thus, there is a need to study and evaluate the design of the two libraries and successes and failures of the design highlighted. A critique of this nature could provide some guidance on what design is to be repeated and what is to be avoided. A review of the literature on library design pointed several factors that could assist creators of libraries to come up with a design that it is functionally effective and aesthetically brilliant.