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The Bodleian Libraries of the University of Oxford are surrounded by centuries of traditions and thus possess a very special historic allure, which does not only surround the actual buildings, but also the place as a cultural institution and point of reference. As such, the Bodleian Libraries is an institution in its own right and it forms the largest university library system in the United Kingdom. But even such historic institution has to keep up with the times. It has to evolve and develop to ensure its relevance in the 21st century.
This is the main objective behind the current refurbishment of the Weston Library (formerly the New Bodleian). The landmark project intends to not only develop the space for the support of advanced research, but also to create new exhibition galleries and other facilities aimed at expanding public access to the collections.
As a part of this overhaul, a design competition for a new chair was launched in 2012, with the result publicised in September this year. This chair will serve as a demonstration of the Libraries’ continued commitment to create a well-functioning and beautiful environment for its users. This chair follows some celebrated predecessors, as it is only the third chair since 1756 that has been designed specifically for the Bodleian Libraries. The challenge of the competition seemed tremendous – to create something new, that simultaneously honours the long history and is the contemporary and current. Or as expressed by the library itself – this chair needed to be “a testament to the Bodleian Libraries’ continued commitment to creating well designed and highly considered environments for a most treasured asset, the reader”.
Last month the winner of the competition was announced as the collaboration between the design duo Barber & Osgerby and British manufacturer Isokon Plus. Barber & Osgerby are best known for their design of the London 2012 Olympic torch, but the duo has over their 17 years of existence (founded 1996) built an impressive portfolio of high-profile design. The duo is best described as research driven, with an intellectual approach to design, and often challenging the boundaries between architecture and design, of which the winning chair can be regarded as evidence.
Barber & Osgerby identified the rear view of the chair as critical to the concept. This view would be how the chair is perceived when in situ. Consequently the chair is designed with a strong vertical timber that echoes the spine of a book. At first this thought seems slightly contrived, but as you start picturing the rows of these chairs, side-by-side, the notion starts to make sense. The rhythm of the vertical timber backs, echoing the surrounding bookshelves.
The three-legged oak chair manages to combine the familiar with something new and almost alien. It is a strong contemporary response that knows and displays knowledge of craft heritage, beauty as well as comfort for the readers.
To sum it up, the winning chair is characterised by a strong identity, creative approach, comfort and it is simultaneously very suitable for intense study and research.
by Runa Matheisen
Follow Barber Osgerby on twitter @barberosgerby
If you would like to see the chair and the runner-ups in the competition, they will be on exhibition until November 17 at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London