Posted by Concept
In a region deeply affected by the 2021 flood disaster, our library offers more than knowledge; it provides a shared living room, a safe, non-commercial space where hope and social life can be rebuilt. It is not centered around books, but around people. Situated on a hill overlooking the village of Schuld in the German Ahr Valley, it can be realized with local materials and traditional construction techniques.
This library redefines its purpose. Beyond reading, it becomes a place for lectures, concerts, and workshops on sustainability, awareness, computer coding, and AI — as well as a hub for community programs, especially for children and seniors. All activities are free and easily booked online, and it is designed to be an inclusive public space where diversity is welcomed and encouraged.
People of all ages, backgrounds and cultures, rich and poor, healthy and vulnerable, with or without a history of migration, can come together without prejudice, learn from each other, and find a renewed sense of belonging.
At a time where the very fabric of society, not only in relation to the Ahr Valley, is under threat, this library has become an anchor. It provides structure, warmth, and an environment that fosters trust, resilience, and the rebuilding of community.
This is not just a new kind of multiuse building – it’s an invitation to come together, and to move forward with hope and confidence.
OZA _Studio for Architecture and Scenography 