The Stockholm City Library was designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund and constructed between 1924 and 1928. A lack of space has always been a problem, already after three years, the fourth wing of the building was constructed, completing the square. After this, only minor changes have been made to the library. Around the turn of the century, libraries were faced with a change of identity with the rise of neo liberalism and the increase of digital media. A 2006 competition sought to expand the library 3-fold; this competition was abandoned for political reasons and public unrest. In 2012 and 2014, two programs were written, leading to the commissioning of British architecture firm Caruso St John to work out a proposal to renovate the library and connect it with the underlying bazar. Again, this project was abandoned for political reasons. In 2023, the Interiors Buildings Cities studio was tasked with interpreting these briefs and finding a way to change to Stockholm City Library to turn into a contemporary one.

This project specifically, works completely inside the building, trying to as little as possible to preserve as much as possible of Asplund’s original architecture whilst still optimizing its operations and creating space for contemporary library programme. To achieve this, the library is relieved of the overhead programme that is intended for the system of public libraries in Stockholm, programme has been shuffled around, and opportunities were found where interventions could be done.

Within the rotunda and the perimeter halls, only conservation work has been undertaken except for the basement, and on the entrance floor below the rotunda and in the north wing. These spaces have the least original qualities and are therefore places where new interventions can be made. Here contemporary library programme is housed like a city living room, a café, group rooms, and a lecture space. The geometry of the circular drum, within the square perimeter halls, creates left over spaces: poché. Originally these pochés were intended to be lightwells, through time they have gradually been filled with servant functions, circulation spaces, ducts, and storage spaces. Because of their young age and their inferior architectural qualities, there are more liberties for demolition, however keeping elements that are still of practical use like elevators. The project fills these poché spaces to a degree, with new spaces that aid the functioning of Asplund’s library and are in dialogue with his architecture. These infills now have a dignity and aid the Asplund library in its functioning to ensure the preservation of this architectural masterpiece.