Cosmo Chuah · CLIENT: Lab Two Design
Color Craze is a library interior for a primary school. The design renovates an old library and covers 1,600 square feet. Irregular bookshelves, built-in slides, color themed areas and interactive walls shape the space. Students retrieve books using the slides and draw on graffiti walls. Color coded zones signal mood and function, while continuous lighting and irregular forms guide movement. The layout was planned with computer aided design tools and color psychology, and the furniture and lighting follow ergonomic principles. The aim is to increase interest in reading.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This is a renovation plan for an old library that turns a static reading space into an immersive, engaging environment. Its unique features include irregular bookshelves, built-in slides, color-themed areas, and interactive walls, offering students a playful, flexible, and user-centered reading experience.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 1,600 square feet
- Tags
- Colorful library design, student-centered space, educational renovation, interactive reading environment, irregular furniture, ambient lighting, creative bookshelf design, school interior upgrade, playful learning space, youth reading engagement
- Production Technology
- We applied participatory design methods—observing student behavior, surveying preferences, and simulating furniture use. Spatial layout was optimized with CAD tools and color psychology theory, while ergonomic principles were applied to the furniture and lighting design for comfort and usability.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenges were balancing fun with function and adapting non-traditional furniture forms to building safety codes. Space constraints and fixed structural elements required inventive layout solutions. Sourcing safe, durable materials in bright colors was another hurdle. We overcame these through close coordination with engineers and iterative prototyping.
- Project Duration
- The project started in October 2023 at SRJK(C) Chung Hwa 3 in Penang, Malaysia. From initial design to construction and implementation, the entire renovation was completed by March 2024, when the new library officially opened.
- Operation Flow
- The library allows for flexible interaction: students retrieve books using slides, write or draw on graffiti walls, and gather in color-coded zones that signal mood and function. Seamless lighting and irregular forms support intuitive movement and help users feel immersed, engaged, and welcome.
- Research
- We conducted behavioral observation and surveys targeting students aged 7–12. The objective was to understand spatial and emotional barriers to reading. Data was collected through interviews, usage logs, and mood mapping. Results showed a clear link between colorful, playful environments and increased time spent reading. The research informed our design, leading to a space that promotes learning and social interaction.
- Inspiration
- We were inspired by the low reading engagement among students. The outdated and dull library environment failed to spark curiosity. Our motivation was to create a space that feels vibrant and playful—one that stimulates interest in reading through color, creativity, and interaction.
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