November 19, 2015

Story Pod by AKB

Designer Book Exchange

Hot on the heels of the artists-designed pop-up libraries in Indianapolis comes another brilliant mobile book exchange, this time in the town of Newmarket in Ontario, Canada.

The sleek 8 feet x 8 feet x 10 feet wooden structure is designed by Toronto-based architects AKB. During the day two walls of the structure pivot open like covers of a book to welcome readers inside, where integrated seating and open shelves provide an elegant and inviting environment for a spot of reading. Two of the walls have vertical slats, providing natural light and glimpses of the views outside for the readers inside. The structure is equipped with solar panels which power-up energy-efficient light bulbs at night, lighting up the structure from the inside like a lantern; a very appropriate metaphor for a structure which acts as a beacon of learning and a focal point for the local community.