Residents of Opañel neighbourhood can relax in the shade of Bookgarden the exchange and read books leave books for sharing. The space is also the main component of a community art project called Imagina Madrid. which focuses on different neighbourhoods of the city. Opañel neighbourhood became part of a long process of communal activities, landscape and architectural design.

The solid metal shelter structure of Bookgarden is designed to last with a floorplan that responds to the shape that the locals naturally form during their meetings on the lot. The vibrant yellow shelter collaborates with the message on its front, “Bibliojardin”, the steps and the hanging seats, invite the community to gather, read and socialise.

Star jasmine climbs the structural poles, creating a gentle and inviting scent to soothe visitors and allow them to fall away into the world of their books.

On one side of the Bookgarden is the Mamut, a pre-existing wooden construction that was once the cultural centre of Matadero. Its relocation and retrofitting to accommodate the books have allowed its leftover pieces to have a second life and form part of a horizontal wooden surface under the metal bars of the shelter.

The Bookgarden creates a public space for books, nature and the community to interact cohesively and encourages the locals to read.

Via ArchDaily | Images © Imagen Subliminal