Our idea stems from the combination of two themes: NATURE and READING
We thought to create a place where citizens could enjoy nature and being cosy at the same time, even during the harsh winter weather. These structures should be placed, in fact, in green areas of the city. They would be indoor spaces resembling greenhouses. The glass structures would let citizens see and enjoy the natural surroundings, while being in the warmth. When considering how these buildings should look like, we thought about the glass igloos that enable people to see the beauty of Northern Lights in Lapland. Why not to have them here in Helsinki as well?
In the igloo, there would be room to sit and relax on sofas and hammocks. Furthermore, these places would be also dedicated to books. The idea would be to have “book swap locations”. Citizens could pick up a book for themselves and in exchange leave one of their own books in the igloo. Of course, people would be welcome to stop in the igloo and read too.

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-Book Igloos as an additional space for people to spend time together or to enjoy their own time
-For different categories of Helsinki residents: families with kids, elderly people, students, etc.
-For different occasions: reading; reading circles (with coffee/tea); workshops about books, etc.
-Nice relaxing music in the background (Finnish classical music or music from around the world)
-Interiors: pillows, candles (artificial fireplace?) - decor can change depending on the season
-People can come with their own books or read those books which are available in Book Igloos
-Possibility to rent these spaces for reading events (personal, school, corporate, community events)

Budgeting (advice from City experts?)
*Igloo structure: new constructions or existing city premises (renovation to make more windows/glass roof)
*Personnel: similar to city libraries -> part-time self-service, part-time - customer service workers
*Access: mobile app / Helsinki City Library cards (?)

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