Library in Mumbai by Studio Hinge

The Cricket Club of India is an exclusive members' club from Mumbai's colonial past, housed in a 1938 Art Deco building in south Mumbai. On the fourth floor of this building, Studio Hinge designed a library under tree-like wooden columns that houses more than 55,000 books.

The studio's design aims to bring nature into the space and give visitors the feeling of reading their chosen book while sitting under a tree. The ficus and gum trees in a neighbouring street served as inspiration. The existing concrete columns were encased in round bookshelves made from West American hemlock. The arched branches are made of 16 mm wooden planks clad in 20 mm square steel sections. Beneath the ceiling, the branches form an intricate weave that enhances the sense of being under trees. A bespoke terrazzo floor, decorated with marble chips and green glass, creates an abstract pattern of scattered leaves.

The interior design is reminiscent of a labyrinth. © Suryan + Dang

Freestanding circular bookshelves are arranged around the central trees in the open space. They are no higher than 1.20 m, allowing natural light to flood the entire library through the architects' enlarged windows. At the edges, the shelves form sheltered corners for sitting and reading. For children, the design of the library is like an exciting maze, inviting them to explore.

Quiet reading corners are created between the bookshelves. © Suryan + Dang

Studio Hinge has also redesigned a small adjoining room for additional programmes such as film screenings, book club meetings, book launches, author readings or workshops for children and adults. Its former function as a dance studio has been retained. Non-exhibit books, stacked furniture and a large-screen television are hidden behind flush-fitted mirrored cabinets. The ceiling is decorated with wavy wooden slats that conceal the building services. The floor is oak parquet. The additional space brings people together and has helped to activate and revitalise the library.