Architectural Design and the Building Process
Lubuto constructs enduring open-access libraries whose design is inspired by traditional and contemporary social, economic and cultural patterns and which freely offer comprehensive collections of well-chosen books and technology resources. These libraries serve as safe havens and are the center for dynamic library programming offering education, psychosocial support and self-expression through reading, music, art, drama, computers, mentoring and other activities.
Lubuto's 'green' buildings are carefully designed for sustainability. Because we use traditional designs and, to the extent possible, locally sourced labor and materials, the development of the significant and durable library infrastructure is cost-effective. Solar power installation minimizes maintenance costs. These innovative examples of traditional structures, initially built in urban landscapes, are visited by locals and international visitors frequently. That the beautiful facilities reflect and preserve indigenous culture inspires pride and emotional investment of community members, a level of cultural sustainability rarely achieved in educational infrastructure.
Each Lubuto Library provides children and youth with a sense of place in their community. The libraries are designed to reflect indigenous culture, enhance the pride and self-esteem of its users, and to afford maximum functionality and sustainability.
Lubuto's Zambian libraries consist of three to five separate structures that accommodate 150,000 visits annually, with associated outdoor spaces that support activities such as drama performances and social gatherings.
The largest building, the Reading Room, houses the book collection and features reading alcoves and central "talking circles for group activities
The Tech Hub supports computer use and arts programs
The Insaka serves as a social space ideal for drama, games and storytelling
The Teen Space supports book discussions, mentoring, film screenings and other programs specially geared to young adults
Early Literacy Stations support a range of educational and dramatic play activities that facilitate reading readiness by building motor skills, oral language, and comprehension abilities in children between the ages of 0-6
Lubuto shortlisted for London Book Fair’s Library of the Year Award
Lubuto Library Partners was shortlisted at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards 2019 for The Library of the Year Award. We were well represented at the LBF International Excellence Awards ceremony on 12 March at the Conference Centre, Olympia, London by our U.K. Representative Caroline Gee. (Our U.K. Director of Professional Services, Angela Flottemesch, was under the weather and unable to join Caroline.) The other shortlisted candidates were the Espoo City Library (Finland) and the Parque Villa-Lobos Library (Brazil), and although we were not selected from a field of three outstanding contenders, we were honored and happy for this recognition by the LBF and the Publishers Association.
Mumuni Library receives UIA “Friendly and Inclusive Spaces” Award Special Mention
Eleni Coromvli’s submission of the Mumuni Library to the 2017 International Union of Architects (UIA) Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards garnered a Special Mention.
The UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards were founded to encourage and acknowledge architects who have created exemplary friendly, inclusive and accessible buildings and public spaces. Entries must demonstrate that they have met the highest standards of universal and inclusive design, where the realised designs contribute to the quality of life of all those who may use them.
Awards are given in four categories: New Buildings, Public Spaces, Existing & Historic Buildings and Research. Entries are assessed in two stages, first by an international jury located in each of the UIA’s five regions and finally by an international jury including a past award winner.
In 2017 a total of 76 entries were received from 28 countries across five continents. The jury was impressed by the range of project types submitted and by the standard and quality of the shortlisted entries.
In the New Buildings category, Lubuto’s Architect Eleni Coromvli received a Special Mention for the Mumuni Library. The Jury’s comment: The character of the library in three separate buildings is seamlessly attuned to the character of Zambian indigenous architecture. Reading and learning inside familiar architectural spaces facilitate a happy transition into the world of education. Ramps to the building entrances ensure access to those with mobility aids.
Winners of the 2017 Edition of the International Union of Architects (UIA) Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards (Medals and Special Mentions) were formally presented on the 6th September 2017 at the UIA Award Ceremony in Seoul, Korea, during the 26th UIA Congress of Architecture. The medal winning entries, special mentions and all shortlisted entries were exhibited on the UIA Architecture for All Work Programme Stand at the UIA Congress in Seoul from the 3rd – 7th September 2017 and are subsequently exhibited on the UIA Friendly and Inclusive Spaces Awards platform.
