Creating a Library from a Locomotive Shed in Tilburg, the Netherlands

Abstract

The LocHal is both an imposing and inviting public meeting place located in the Spoorzone district in Tilburg in the south of the Netherlands. A former locomotive shed constructed in 1932 has undergone an intensive and splendid conversion involving excellent collaboration of several architectural firms and designers. It houses the Bibliotheek LocHal/LocHal Library of the Midden Brabant region which consists of six municipalities in the centre of the province of Noord-Brabant, and several other organisations. The new library has redefined its functions and provides a wide range of opportunities for users, not only facilitating access to information, but also ample opportunity for the creation of new knowledge and information as well as interactive and engaging activities. In addition to various areas for lectures and events, the library has a series of labs focusing on topics ranging from food to words where visitors can learn experientially and gain new skills. The LocHal library offers a unique learning and working environment where everyone is challenged to think outside the box, deviate from the beaten path, meet new people, learn and experiment. The new facility has proved popular with everyone and has been described as the beating heart of the district.