SEED libraries for the win

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Professing a kind of “Band-Aid architecture”, the innovative Architects of Justice have devised the SEED library, a low-cost literacy and community-building solution that can be completely flatpacked. 

The education system in South Africa faces many challenges, one of them being the limited access to libraries, especially for schools in disadvantaged areas. The Johannesburg-based Architects of Justice (AOJ) believe we cannot afford to wait around until there is enough money for brick and mortar, and are rolling out a series of micro flatpack SEED libraries. “SEED” is an acronym for Supplementary Extended Education Device, but also metaphorically represents the “germination of knowledge”.

The micro flatpack libraries, which also feature a study room that doubles as a training and workshop area for the community, are an even more accessible version of the firm’s original container-based SEED library (that we wrote about here). Not only can the building be completely flat-packed, but the interior furniture too, making it easy to transport on the back of a truck and assemble on location.

Two libraries have been opened so far – in Eisleben Road Primary School in Mitchell’s Plein and Somelulwazi Primary School in Soweto’s Freedom Park. AOJ developed them in partnership with BBDO ad agency and both were sponsored by Shout SA, the organisation founded by musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane, to focus on improving the lives of children in disadvantaged communities.

In addition to the books, the interiors of libraries are stocked with colourful furniture that has been scaled down to be appropriate for children. In the middle of the structure there are clerestory windows that can be opened to facilitate airflow for passive cooling. An overhang, to provide protection from the sun, shades these. Insulated wall paneling ensures comfortable temperatures to provide a warm and nurturing environment for the kids all year round.

The exterior features bright and playful graphics designed by Emma Strydom. Beyond being a place to study, the libraries are also designed to be a place where kids can hang out, with a sitting deck and swings. They also feature a Jojo tanks which collect grey water to be used for irrigation. “The tanks are an amazing opportunity for young learners to learn sustainability issues that they might not be aware of,” says Kuba Granicki, partner at Architect of Justice.

He also added: “We do not advocate that this is the best library in the world, but the fact is that while we wait for government to resolve issues with our education policy and make sure that every school has a library, 93% of South African schools have no libraries. It is a kind of Band-Aid architecture, but right now our guiding design principle is to do what we can to keep education from getting worse.”

In order to get them financed, the outside walls of the structures also double up as billboards, so that sponsors can use it as advertising space, although Kuba is quick to point out that “we steer sponsors away from blatant product placement, as this is not what the libraries are about.” Besides Shout SA who have sponsored three libraries, other sponsors for different libraries have included 702 Talk Radio and Exclusive Books.

architectsofjustice.com, shoutsa.co.za