Yellow reading corners with wood accents shelves beside the computer station of the Barangay Hall

Museo Pambata Reading Corners

Institutional Research
Location:
Manila
Year:
2019 -
Status:
Under Construction
Project Team:

Matthew Sarmiento

Godofredo Sanchez IV

The word library itself comes from the Latin word “liber” which either means “book” or “free”. Ideally, libraries embody these words’ meaning as the repository of knowledge accessible to all.

In collaboration with Museo Pambata, the Book Stop Project and WTA Design Studio propose a mini-library design series that aims to democratize people’s access to knowledge and liberate children’s imagination through the power of reading.

The reading corners design takes inspiration from bahay-bahayan, a roleplaying game commonly for Filipino children. Such activity and space for children can liberate their imagination. It also aids in opening young minds to the limitations that their reality imposes.  

The mini-library consists of related modules that can be used as a whole or independently. This modular design allows for flexible and maximized functionality. Playful use of color creates more inviting and engaging energy to the reading corners.

Careful consideration was applied in the dimensions of designing for children’s body size. This maximizes the effectiveness of the design towards its users. 

Multi colored shelfing at the community space in Barangay Sta. Cruz

Adjacent to the main stairway of a rowhouse, the Gawad Kalinga, QC Reading corner includes a baby shelf tower, bookshelves, and a toy cabinet. Along with an art station, study table, chalkboard door, and a demarcation wall. Two walls flank its east and west side, whilst the north and south side are open. 

Multi colored shelfing at the community space in Barangay Sta. Cruz

The Sta. Cruz, Manila Reading Corner is located at the Barangay 330 Hall community daycare. Currently, the area functions as a storage space for tables and chairs. The proposed design incorporates a reading nook, bookshelves, and an art station as well as a reading table and storage. 

Shelf dimension for the reading corner set up located in Sta. Cruz
Yellow reading corners with wood accents shelves beside the computer station of the Barangay Hall

The proposed Malate Reading corner is located on the 2nd floor of Barangay Hall 725 in Malate.  The design integrates the existing community computer station with reading nooks and bookshelves.

Exploded axonometric view of the Reading corner located in Malate
Serbetes inspired mobile library located in Intramuros

Sorbetes Cart 

The main design inspiration for the mobile library is the sorbetes cart. This pays homage to the logo of Museo Pambata and Filipino’s love for “Sorbetes” or “Dirty Ice Cream”. The design incorporates a collapsible seating area for reading or a quick chat. 

Mobile library inspired by the Serbetes cart for Intramuros, Manila