The library

The José Garcia Nieto library, is the library of the Spanish institute CERVANTES, located in Salvador-BA in the Barra neighborhood and has approximately 90m2. In it, we prioritized the user experience, in order to create a space where he could study, debate and make his personal queries in a calm and comfortable way. The red and black tones, components of the Spanish color palette, were explored in graphic design elements such as the mobile above the table and in the furniture. As a counterpoint to this stronger and more striking palette, we work with natural wood veneer in light American oak and shelves in beige. The reception desk is the central element of the project and divides the space into two zones. In it, we rounded off the corners to allow for a greater circulation perimeter and improve the fluidity and connection between the two areas. On one side, a large “island sofa” intersperses shades of red, with a gradient of gray and, due to its central positioning in the layout, provides ambience for both sides. This furniture has small built-in swivel side tables, USB connection points and an independent wooden table that fits into the space, thus creating a new ambience. The bookshelves do not reach the ceiling to reinforce the scale and humanization of the environment, which has walls and ceiling painted in a light gray tone. The lighting is subtle and indirect throughout the area: we created plaster shelves with led tape on all exposed beams. The windows have blinds with solar screen to control the incidence of natural light. Still next to the sofa, we have an area with computers for queries and research. Beside it, the woodwork shelf, designed by the office, turns into an upholstered bench with a curved shape, where the user can lie down to read in a more comfortable way. The floor is made of PVC carpet, which enhances the acoustics and prevents noise when moving around the space. A large round table with 8 chairs forms the other side of the central counter. Its recess, has power points and cabling for connecting notebooks and enables meetings in small groups.