Tiny Library 2025 Architecture Competition
Volume Zero invites participation in the Tiny Library 2025 architecture competition, seeking for designs that rethink a library of the 21st-century public space where knowledge is not limited to books.
The competition challenges its participants to re-imagine the idea of the Library as a 21st-century self-learning and educational incubation space that not only sheds light on conventional means of knowledge but also encourages its users to interact, share ideas, and grow together.
A total of $4,500 will be awarded to the best three designs and the best student work. In addition, 10 honorable mentions will be awarded with certificates.
Details about this year’s theme are available on the official website.
As the world is continuously transforming and expanding, the amount of data and information created every day is also increasing constantly. Human intellect today is expected to evolve at the same rate as our world to continue our journey into the future. Despite all the information, reading and self-learning remain the most powerful tools available to mankind to consume knowledge. Learning bolsters awareness, exposure and productivity, which in turn results into development.
Despite its importance, education is still inaccessible to many communities in remote locations around the world. Self-learning, especially through reading, is crucial for the society’s development. It is necessary to have places promoting education and self-learning to educate the local population within the closest proximity. It will make them accessible to gainful employment opportunities in their home towns and will thereby avoid the need for migration elsewhere.
Can we rethink a library of the 21st-century public space where knowledge is not limited to books? Can we ignite the new age movement of learning?
Participants are to design a Tiny Library optimized for 50 users with engaging multifunctional spaces for all ages and spatial experience. The Tiny Library would be equipped with traditional reading material along with modern formats like e-books, audiobooks, audio-visual books etc.
Do consider affordability and optimum use of space while designing. The designed space should be augmented to hold a maximum number of books in a limited space. The structure should not exceed 300 sq.mt. of built-up area.
You are free to choose a site in a rural or remote context for the proposal, wherever you feel accessibility to knowledge may change the existing circumstance. The design should be well integrated into the context.
Tiny Library 2025 Awards
- 1st Prize: $2,000 + Certificate + Publication
- 2nd Prize: $1,200 + Certificate + Publication
- 3rd Prize: $800 + Certificate + Publication
- Student Award: $500 + Certificate + Publication
- 10 Honourable mentions: Certificates
Registration Fees
- Early Bird Registrations (1st March 2025 — 15th May 2025):
- Participants from India: INR 3,186
- Participants from Other Countries: USD 94,4
- Standard Registrations (16th May 2025 — 12th June 2025):
- Participants from India: INR 3,776
- Participants from Other Countries: USD 112,1