Mecanoo's task for the renovation of the Central Library on the Spui in The Hague, commissioned by the municipality, involved creating a comprehensive master plan focused on modernising the building’s interior and layout while respecting its original architectural design by Richard Meier. The updated master plan aspires to nurture personal growth among The Hague's residents and establish the library as a dynamic hub for debates, cultural exchange, and a wide range of community activities.
The "Vertical City" concept organises the library's functions across its levels. The ground floor, for example, hosts the entrance and agora, welcoming visitors with an information point. The first floor features a reading café and a multipurpose event room with a capacity for 100 people. The third floor is dedicated to children and teens, featuring a play area, age-appropriate collections, study spaces, and a workshop room to support learning and creativity. And the fifth floor, dedicated to music, includes a theatre, sky bar, and green terrace with city views.
A key design solution is the recognisable central core wrapped with bookshelves, serving as an identity marker on each floor. Distinct zoning ensures dynamic functions in the rotunda and quieter areas in the rear. Each level features a "city lab" at its heart, providing a dynamic space for activities that align with the floor's theme. The design carefully strengthens the existing minimalist, white aesthetic of Meier’s architecture, emphasizing natural light and transparency.
Material choices reflect a balance between existing characteristics and fresh additions. The bright, white interiors are complemented by darker tones, natural materials, and colourful accents. Birchwood finishes, terrazzo tiles, and acoustic wooden slat ceilings add warmth and texture, while green terraces introduce nature into the urban context, enhancing user comfort and sustainability.