The Open Book Library is a public library proposal located within the iconic former department store in the heart of Limerick City. It reimagines the traditional library as a contemporary civic space that reflects evolving user needs. The design is organised by noise levels and user groups, offering a variety of environments ranging from quiet study areas to collaborative technology spaces. The library is envisioned as a public living room, fostering inclusivity, learning, and interaction across all ages, abilities and backgrounds. An unconventional addition to the programme is a vibrant cultural food court on the ground floor, offering cuisines from around the world and strengthening connections within Limerick’s diverse community.
The project is guided by the concept of the “Tree of Knowledge,” which reflects the cyclical relationship between trees and knowledge. Just as trees grow, mature, and disperse seeds, knowledge is shared from books to individuals and then into the wider community. This idea informs the spatial organisation, with strong vertical circulation, visual links between floors, and a central spine wall connecting activities and users. The concept is most visible in the central atrium and material palette, which uses warm timber finishes and autumnal tones to create a calm, inspiring atmosphere that encourages growth and exchange.
The building is a prominent landmark located on one of the busiest corners in Limerick City Centre. An active bus stop directly outside generates significant footfall and ensures strong accessibility from across the city. The building is arranged over five levels, including a basement, a flat roof terrace, and an outdoor courtyard, supporting a wide range of public and communal uses.
Originally designed in an Art Deco stripped classical style, the building’s symmetry and geometric simplicity are reinterpreted in a contemporary interior, creating a dialogue between its architectural heritage and new civic purpose.