SOCIAL READING
When considering what position people find most comfortable for reading, I went to 8 libraries in Tel aviv to research what libraries currently have in them, as well as ask people in the libraries where they prefer to sit. Even before Covid-19 the resounding answer was- far from other people, to feel like I have my own private space. This led me to question the idea of privacy in public spaces, why do people go to a public space to feel like they have privacy?
When searching for an answer I found Ray Oldenburg's philosophy of “Third Spaces”- the idea that humans crave community and need a space that is neither home nor work but a “third space” to congregate and feel part of a community. These communal spaces used to be religion or hobby based, but with the western world slowly becoming more secular and the internet, we lost most of our “third spaces”.
Libraries have the potential to become these spaces again, usually free of charge and full of cultural and communal activities for all ages, they would seem perfect. Libraries have also been slowly making a comeback in the last few years all over the world, but the antiquated design of most of these libraries are not adapted to the new needs of their space.
The object is a hybrid of a hammock and floor pillow that cradle the person sitting in it, creating the gentle and comforting experience of being held. Knit from bamboo and rubber yarn forming a bouncy, and weightless sitting or laying experience. Modular and easy to take down making it ideal for a multipurpose space that demands flexibility.