Located on the outskirts of Bangalore, the Valliant’s Academy sits on a contoured 6-acre site where courtyards and classrooms blend fluidly into each other. When the school’s principal noticed “the passionate desire to read so vividly in every child,” he approached Atelier ARBO to design a space that could nurture this growing love for stories.

“Our first observation when we visited the school was the deep-rooted curiosity we saw in all the students who simply rushed to the library and couldn't wait to read and research,” says Rinka D’Monte, Principal Architect of Atelier ARBO.

The firm transformed a 4,200 sq ft area into a layered reading space, within the library. “Every design decision was taken from the point of view of these young children and how they would perceive and react to the space,” explains Rinka.

Upon entering, the students are welcomed by a dramatic 25-ft-high double volume space. To soften its scale, the team added a 200 sq ft mezzanine floor space with low benches, floor cushions, and bookshelves designed to suit the height of young readers. “A large bookshelf, aligned along the staircase leads onto the mezzanine space with hundreds of books to explore, children contact a pause point to choose the titles that catch their attention and head up for an immersive reading experience.”

Below the stairs, a small amphitheater with broad treads becomes a spot for group discussions and storytelling sessions. Instead of a single open layout, the designers created distinct zones defined by L-shaped bookshelves, along with a book repair zone, digital library area, study zones, and a cozy central gathering area. “The linear L-shaped bookshelves have been consciously designed and placed to smoothly create distinct zones within the library.”

The rear of the library opens up to a scenic courtyard through full-height windows, which allows ample outdoor ambiance to be part of the indoor space. “We planned cozy stepped seating spaces at these corners, so that children can bask in the abundant natural daylight and read a book while admiring the beautiful views of the outdoor landscape.”

Materiality played a key role in achieving a soft, welcoming atmosphere. “All the bookshelves have been made out of Ashwood/ Rubberwood, with the shelf heights planned after a detailed research of child anthropometry, of about 200 mm from the floor to encourage the children to self-explore and select books.” The palette is warm and calming, with “light brown hues of wood blending seamlessly with the pastel shades of floor rugs, cushion covers, and throws.”

“We focused on the essence of the space and how it can positively influence a child's mind. We procured and mindfully placed rustic decor items and meaningful artworks to enhance the ambience of the place”.

The result is a library that feels both intimate and expansive, structured and free. “The journey of designing a children's library for a Montessori school proved to be quite enthralling for us, as the ultimate motivation was to create a space that speaks to the minds of young children”.