21st Century Library Concept and Design: A Case Study of Pridi Banomyong Library, Thammasat University, Tha Prachan Campus

Abstract

The objective of our research is to study concepts and designs of 21st century libraries, which provide a new approach to supporting lifelong learning and diverse learning experiences and from this, develop design guidelines for transitioning interior spaces of a traditional university library into a 21st century library. The Pridi Banomyong Library, located at Thammasat University, Tha Phra Chan Campus, Thailand, was selected as the specific case study for this research in modernizing an outdated 20st century library. The Pridi Banomyong Library was built in 1994 on the occasion of Thammasat University’s 60th anniversary and is nationally renowned in the field of Social Sciences. The research process includes conducting surveys and collecting data on the project site, studying the ideas, theories, and evolution of library design, conducting interviews and seeking opinions from directors, staff, and library users, analyzing and summarizing the current library usage and future needs, proposing new interior concepts and layouts, and providing comparative data on design concepts to summarize a design guideline for modernizing the library. These design concepts incorporate the expression of the library’s vision, mission, and identity within the context of learning in the 21st century and, in particular, support lifelong learning and diverse learning experiences through socially oriented learning spaces and various media. The design also proposes a new identity for the library with a focus on digital technology, positioning the library users as the central focus, and further enhancing the learning experience by highlighting the historical significance and value of the building and its location. In conclusion, this research and design revealed that the concept of 21st century skills has resulted in a major change in library design. By promoting new skills, such as interactive learning, social activities, lifelong learning, and diverse learning experiences, the Pridi Banomyong Library will serve as a center of Thammasat University for lifelong and social learning. The library is an exemplar design case for other libraries throughout Thailand that will help to develop Thai society into a more learning-centered society.