The impetus for the transformation of the Loucká branch, which is part of the Municipal Library in Znojmo, was not only the need for more modern facilities with better conditions for visitors. An important role was also played by interesting designs by architecture students, which they created as part of the Libraries for the 21st Century project.

The new look of the Znojmo library. | Photo: Petr Vokurek

The Znojmo library actively participated in it last year. "We saw previous designs, and we really liked their innovation, playfulness and boldness. Moreover, it makes sense for us to connect the academic environment with practice. The students have completed a project in their portfolio and we have a beautiful new branch," explained Jana Sikorová, director of the Znojmo Municipal Library, adding that if possible, she would welcome cooperation with the university in the future.

A small but significant detail - rounded corners in the library. | Photo: Petr Vokurek

Students Sára Sochová and Monika Cibulová, who are behind the architectural designs for the Znojmo Municipal Library, had the opportunity to work with the environment of a specific library, thanks to which they designed a functional and aesthetic solution reflecting the needs of readers and other visitors. They placed great emphasis on working with natural light and on making the environment feel pleasant and cosy, while at the same time maintaining the visual purity of a modern library.

“The fundamental change consisted of a different layout and functional arrangement of the library. We illuminated and opened up the space as much as possible, creating a place for variable and multifunctional seating. And although books are a key element, we were aware that a 21st-century library must also integrate modern technology, so we built in a television for projection and a new computer workstation,” the students described.

The authors presented the design. | Photo: Petr Vokurek

The library was completely renovated before its transformation – from electricity, water, and heating distribution, to replacing floors, windows, and doors, to ensuring full barrier-free access. New furniture and equipment, including a stepped podium with a carpet, which attracted especially children's visitors during the ceremonial reopening, then gave the space a fresh and attractive final appearance.

Thanks to the innovative architectural design, a modern and welcoming space was created, which offers better conditions for readers and community activities. "We followed the student's design quite closely. I think we managed to maintain the color scheme and the intended appearance of the Loucká branch," assessed the director. The renovated library was ceremonially opened to the public at the end of November. Part of the important day were guided tours of the new spaces and informal meetings of visitors with representatives of the library, the city of Znojmo and the Faculty of Architecture of BUT, to whom, according to Sikorová, great thanks are due.

The Library for the 21st Century project was created thanks to the cooperation of architect Jan Kratochvíl from the Faculty of Architecture of BUT and Lenka Dostálová from the Methodological Center for the Construction and Reconstruction of Libraries at the Moravian Regional Library. It aims to connect the academic environment with practice and enable architecture students to work with current trends in library design. During the course, students learn about modern concepts of library operation and spatial organization and then apply them to designs for specific institutions, which brings them valuable experience as future architects.

Introductory speech by architect Jan Kratochvíl. | Photo: Petr Vokurek

According to the head of the studio, Jan Kratochvíl, cooperation between the university and public institutions is beneficial for both parties. “Students work on real assignments that have a concrete impact. The city then gains a fresh perspective and innovative approaches,” he added.