UIN SUKA LIBRARY, Contemporary Knowledge Spaces

UIN SUNAN KALIJAGA LIBRARY, YOGYAKARTA Exploring Two Design Characters for Contemporary Knowledge Spaces

Introduction: Design as a Reflection of Institutional Identity

A library serves as the intellectual heart of a university—a place where knowledge is stored, accessed, and shared. The interior design of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library presents two alternatives that differ visually yet share an equal commitment to optimal functionality. These two proposals offer contrasting aesthetic approaches: one emphasizes traditional warmth through wood dominance, while the other explores visual dynamics through bold color application.

This project is not merely about choosing colors or materials, but about determining the appropriate visual narrative to represent a modern library identity within an Islamic campus environment. Through comparing both alternatives, we can understand how design decisions influence user perception of space and its function.

Space Organization: A Consistent Foundation

The third-floor plan shows identical spatial organization in both alternatives. A large-capacity seminar room occupies the central area, with supporting spaces such as the Canadian Center, Book Store, and Storage positioned on the sides. The seminar room is designed with a theater seating configuration facing the stage, with a central aisle dividing the rows symmetrically for circulation ease. The stage is equipped with a presidium table, dual projection screens, and a backdrop serving as the visual focal point—consistent elements in both alternatives but treated with different aesthetic approaches.

Alternative 1: Natural Warmth and Measured Formality

The first alternative features a material palette dominated by wood with natural finishes and neutral colors. The stage backdrop uses horizontal wood panels that create a linear texture, providing a warm yet formal impression. The horizontal rhythm creates a calming visual effect, suitable for spaces requiring concentration.

The auditorium chairs use two colors—red in the front rows and cream in the back rows. This color stratification creates visual zoning, with red at the front drawing attention and establishing hierarchy for priority areas. Side walls use vertical wood panels that function both as aesthetic elements and sound absorbers. The ceiling employs a drop ceiling system with wood beam accents that create visual depth.

This approach produces a professional and academic atmosphere, with the warmth of wood material reducing the cold impression often associated with formal seminar spaces. This design is safe and easily accepted by various audiences, suitable for institutions that value tradition and visual stability.

Alternative 2: Visual Dynamics and Contemporary Expression

The second alternative takes a bolder approach by integrating red-and-white vertical stripe patterns on the stage backdrop, side walls, and presidium table. This striping pattern creates an energetic and contemporary visual rhythm, giving the space a more dynamic character.

The use of red as the dominant accent psychologically increases energy and attention—suitable for presentation and discussion spaces requiring high engagement. The red-white combination creates strong contrast that ensures the backdrop doesn't get lost in the large spatial composition. The consistent application of patterns across all surfaces creates a coherent visual identity, though it risks creating visual fatigue if not balanced with sufficient neutral elements.

This alternative suits institutions wanting to communicate progressiveness and openness to contemporary approaches. This design is more statement-oriented—functioning not just as space, but also declaring an institutional identity that is dynamic and unafraid to explore bold visual expression.

Circulation Areas and Reception Desk

Both alternatives show significant differences in the library's reception area. The first alternative uses a vertical wood panel backdrop with natural colors, creating a classic and warm impression. The second alternative applies the consistent red-white striping pattern from the seminar room to the reception area, creating strong visual cohesion throughout the space.

This difference reflects different design philosophies: the first alternative separates spatial character based on function, while the second alternative unifies the entire space in one consistent visual narrative.

Strategic Comparison: Choosing Visual Identity

Choosing between the two alternatives is not about which is objectively better, but which better aligns with institutional identity and aspirations. The first alternative offers aesthetic safety—familiar, warm, and timeless. It won't appear outdated in 10-15 years.

The second alternative offers visual differentiation that distinguishes this library from other campuses. This design is contemporary and attractive to younger generations, though it risks appearing too trendy and may require earlier updates.

From a spatial psychology perspective, the first alternative supports a contemplative atmosphere suitable for academic presentations requiring high concentration. The second alternative creates higher visual energy—suitable for interactive discussions and inspirational seminars. From a maintenance perspective, the first alternative is more forgiving of stains or damage, while the second alternative with high contrast requires stricter maintenance.

Conclusion

Both design alternatives for UIN Sunan Kalijaga Library offer valid solutions with different characters. The first alternative represents stability, warmth, and continuity with academic design tradition. The second alternative represents innovation, energy, and openness to contemporary expression.

The choice between them must consider the institution's long-term vision, user demographics, and how the library wants to position itself in the higher education landscape. Both alternatives demonstrate that interior design is not merely decoration, but a visual communication strategy that influences how space is perceived and used. A good library is not just a place to store books, but a space that inspires, invites, and empowers its users—and both designs, in their own ways, strive to achieve that goal.

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Category  : Interior of Educational Institutions

Location   : Yogyakarta

Designer  : TriApoint Studio

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