The International Children's and Youth Library is housed in the rooms of Blutenburg Castle in Munich. To make the space more attractive for children and parents, both the appearance and the internal functions and processes have been completely redesigned. The concept follows the approach of a dream world in which children and young people can freely develop their imaginations and experience stories.

 

The newly designed entrance area consists of an information desk where books can be borrowed and drinks and snacks are sold. Adjacent to it is a small bistro area, a play area for toddlers, and a curtained reading room.

 

The library has a central seating area around which the picture books, beginning readers, reading experts, and non-fiction sections are arranged. The built-in units are kept low to emphasize the vaulted ceiling as a continuous element. The various areas can be accessed via a doorway or a tunnel, which makes exploring the room more exciting for the children. The built-in units in each area consist of shelves as well as seating and table elements that are adapted to the use of the respective age group. For example, the picture books section has rummage boxes, and the non-fiction section has workstations with online access. In addition, drawers and openings are integrated into the built-in furniture throughout the room, which are also intended to encourage searching and exploring.

 

The last room houses the comics, and its dark appearance contrasts with the otherwise bright atmosphere. It's used for events and readings, which is why, in addition to the seating steps, there are additional seating options in the form of poufs and a bench along the facade. The comic books are housed in browsing boxes and drawers in the seating steps and the bench.

 

The outdoor area has been complemented by a living library and an outdoor lounge. The living library is stocked by the users themselves and is accessible 24/7.