The purpose of this project was to redevelop and relocate Naas library into a community and cultural centre to meet the needs of the most heavily populated and fastest growing commuter town in Kildare. The current Naas library (built 1990) does not meet the requirements of the ever expanding population & new housing developments. Additionally, the introduction of working from home now more than ever seems ideal opportunity to provide co-working & meeting spaces for the community. This new space will take a portion of a currently derelict base built shopping centre (built 2010). Currently a grey mass in the town centre, the scope of includes the provision of a two level community library & co-working spaces while upgrading of existing structure designed in accordance with up to date regulation and universal design.
The schedule of accommodation provides for the modern needs of the community, including spaces such as meeting rooms, focus rooms, a large universally accessible library, café, mother’s rooms, prayer rooms and yoga studios.
The idea of reinvigorating a derelict structure into a new purpose is something I drew heavily on for inspiration. When looking at leaves during the autumn & the structural embroidery they create it remind me of an aerial view map. All the roads create a skeleton to a community. A key strength in the project lies in its connectivity within the spaces. The vision is to create a universal library and public community space in the heart of the historic town of Naas.
