How to design a library that makes kids want to read | Michael Bierut

The Law of Unintended Consequences

Introduction to Unintended Consequences

• The speaker introduces the concept of the law of unintended consequences, emphasizing its academic basis and personal relevance as a designer focused on intended outcomes.

• The narrative begins with a call from Robin Hood, a philanthropic organization in New York that redistributes wealth to support the poor.

The Library Initiative

• Robin Hood aims to improve New York City's school system, which serves over a million students in aging and often dilapidated buildings.

• Instead of renovating entire buildings, they decide to focus on enhancing individual rooms, specifically targeting school libraries as central spaces for student engagement.

Design Contribution

• The initiative is named the Library Initiative; architects are enlisted to reimagine library spaces across schools.

• The speaker is invited to contribute as the graphic designer responsible for creating a logo for this initiative.

Logo Design Process

• Initially perceiving the task as straightforward, the speaker plans to design three logos based on a new concept for school libraries.

• Emphasizing modernity, one proposed name is "Reading Room," promoting an interactive and lively atmosphere rather than traditional silence associated with libraries.

Creative Options Explored

• Another option presented is "OWL," which could stand for various phrases like "One World Library" or "Open. Wonder. Learn."

• A third idea involves wordplay with "read," suggesting naming it "The Red Zone," playing on both past and present tense spelling.

Feedback and Realization

• Despite enthusiasm for clever branding, feedback reveals that many students have never experienced functional libraries due to their poor conditions.

• Ultimately, instead of rebranding entirely, they decide simply to call it a library again but enhance its appeal visually with minor adjustments.

Conclusion: An Unexpected Outcome

• The final logo design becomes less significant than anticipated since any font can replicate it easily; thus, it highlights an unintended consequence where simplicity prevails over complexity.

The Role of Design in Creating Engaging Library Spaces

Initial Client Interaction and Project Scope

• The speaker describes their initial role working with architects, primarily focusing on logo placements for various projects.

• A call from architect Richard Lewis introduces a challenge regarding the design of library spaces, specifically addressing the gap between shelves and high ceilings.

• The speaker expresses hesitation about taking on mural work but is encouraged to brainstorm solutions.

Creative Solutions and Collaboration

• The idea emerges to use photographs of students to create a mural effect, leading to collaboration with the speaker's wife, Dorothy, who takes the photos.

• The resulting library features a frieze of student images that enhances the atmosphere, making it both dignified and joyful.

• Other librarians express interest in similar murals, prompting further collaborations with illustrators like Lynn Pauley and Charles Wilkin.

Diverse Artistic Contributions

• Various artists contribute unique styles: Rafael Esquer creates silhouettes based on children's prompts; Peter Arkle incorporates student testimonials into designs.

• Stefan Sagmeister collaborates with Yuko Shimizu to produce a manga-style statement emphasizing honesty as an interesting trait.

• Christoph Niemann embeds books within illustrations while Maira Kalman creates installations that captivate students' attention.

Personal Satisfaction and Community Engagement

• Attending library openings becomes a rewarding experience for the speaker despite feeling somewhat out of place among attendees.

• The celebratory atmosphere at these events includes speeches, poetry readings, and certificates presented by dignitaries.

Final Reflections on Impactful Design

• The speaker humorously reflects on their minimal role compared to others involved in creating vibrant library spaces.

• A group outing is organized for team members to visit multiple libraries across New York City, fostering camaraderie and shared experiences among designers and illustrators.

Why I Come to Work

The Journey of Creation

• The speaker reflects on their initial motivation for work, which began with a simple task: designing a logo and creating a new name.

• They acknowledge that while they aimed to be clever in their design, the broader implications of their work were not fully realized at the time.

• The speaker admits to focusing only on immediate tasks, likening their perspective to reaching just a foot ahead with their hands.

Impact on Future Generations

• A librarian is introduced as a pivotal figure who will uncover the long-term consequences of the speaker's work.

• The libraries mentioned have positively influenced 40,000 children annually over more than ten years.