open stacks little free library by mark rakatansky + aaron white

open stacks: a little free library by mark rakatansky studio + aaron whiteall images courtesy mark rakatansky studio

developed in a collaboration between new york-based mark rakatansky studio and aaron white, a collection of books are made readily available for users with ‘open stacks’, a little free library situated outside the university settlement in new york city. engaging new interactions between fellow readers, the plywood installation emerges as a miniature civic center, proposing a physical common ground for accessing information in a ‘free for all’ public space. facing the sidewalk on 61 rivington street, the little free library is built onto a metal fence, where laminated bookshelves house a variety of literature.

rivington elevation showing the framing of university settlement’s existing signage

detail showing unfolded books emerge through the fence from the bookshelf behind

adult and child levels conjoined by slipped book spines

open stacks in use!

detail of laminated assemblies

open stacks with its carnegie parentage (building to the left was one of the first carnegie libraries, built in 1905)

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