INCLASS’s seating collections chosen for the National Library of Lithuania in Vilnius

Experiencing libraries has never been so cool as at the newly-restored Martynas Mažvydas National Library in Vilnius, Lithuania. The new interior design, which was created by the 2XJ Architects studio, was carried out in parallel with the reconstruction of the building which was originally built in 1963. Learn more…

Gone are the days when libraries were dusty deposits of books, shrouded by an aura of sacredness and silence. Modern library buildings have adapted to the changing needs of their users by adopting modern information technology and opening to non-traditional services related to cultural and social activities.

The renovation of the National Library of Lithuania, an emblematic building aimed at organizing and preserving Lithuania’s written cultural heritage, was not restricted to the wall and surfaces but it has come with a repurposing of spaces and functionalities over the six floors of the building.

New functional zones include 400 individual workstations for visitors, spaces for co-working, coffee shops, conference rooms, art gallery, recording studio, cinema room, arts incubator, daycare centre and more.

A lot of attention was paid to the aesthetic solutions that should establish the relation between “the old” and “the new”. The point here was to make a clear distinction rather than moderating between the two.

A homogenous structure of contemporary black furniture and other interior elements was specifically created to reflect the new identity of the library. These provide the perfect setting for reading rooms, relaxing areas and co-working spaces which have been furnished with minimalist modular elements and comfortable seating collections.

Designer furniture manufacturer INCLASS has supplied a number of its DUNA XL armchairs, ALN chairs and PAU sofas for all these spaces. The main goal was to create efficient study and computer areas as well as comfortable spots to relax, read or co-work.

Designed by Christophe Pillet, the DUNAS XL collection is made up of spacious, comfy armchairs, available in two backrest heights which can be combined with either swivel or fixed bases. The upholstered elements and the different bases can be manufactured in all fabrics and finishes from the INCLASS swatch samples.

The areas dedicated to consultation and computer have been furnished with the ALN multipurpose chairs, all of them upholstered in a grey tone and with the metal frame and swivel base lacquered in black.

The TETRIS high-back sofas have been supplied in the same tones to perfectly match the overall décor. Conceived for open-plan offices, TETRIS, which is one of the element of a successful modular system of seating, provide sheltered, private spaces in busy or hectic surroundings. This makes them a perfect place to withdraw for concentrated work or small meetings.

Interior design: 2XJ architects

Team: Jokūbas Jurgelis, Laimis Valančiūnas, Jurga Marcinauskaitė.

Area: 6,100 sqm

Project year: 2016

Seating: INCLASS

Photographs: Leonas Garbačauskas

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