Spaces are most productive when there is interesting meaningful work to be performed and better locations for engaging in distracting behaviors.
The library doesn't work because of its configuration, it works because the occupants are self selecting. People who want to party go to a bar, instead.
It works because there are lots of areas with different levels of privacy and which tolerate different levels of social interaction, from the carrell in the stacks, to the pairs of lounge chairs by the window, to the reading room, or these days, perhaps a snack bar. Importantly, the occupants of each of these areas are again self selecting.
Finally, library spaces tend to be the commons. Permanent territoriality is discouraged, and this furthers self selection.
Comments
Spaces are most productive when there is interesting meaningful work to be performed and better locations for engaging in distracting behaviors.
The library doesn't work because of its configuration, it works because the occupants are self selecting. People who want to party go to a bar, instead.
It works because there are lots of areas with different levels of privacy and which tolerate different levels of social interaction, from the carrell in the stacks, to the pairs of lounge chairs by the window, to the reading room, or these days, perhaps a snack bar. Importantly, the occupants of each of these areas are again self selecting.
Finally, library spaces tend to be the commons. Permanent territoriality is discouraged, and this furthers self selection.