A post-industrial district in Magdeburg, Germany has become the home of a unique grassroots project. The project, a cultural center and an Open Air library has been designed by Karo Architekten in collaboration with local residents. The Open Air library was built from the ground up with the support and interaction of the surrounding community – first as a 1:1 model made from 1000 empty beer cartons (which the residents collected) and later as a finished project with the help of Karo Architekten, who incorporated parts of the facade from the city of Hamm’s demolished Horten warehouse. During the construction, people were invited to donate books which are now available for reading and borrowing anytime of the day without a membership. Simply walk up to a cubby and pull out a tome. A green structure, the grassy plaza features a reading cafe and a stage that hosts elementary school theater plays, public readings, concerts, and other cultural events.

Opened in June, this Open Air library is already a favorite with the locals.

[Inhabitat]