Some hotels are giving the humble book another look, as they search for
ways to persuade guests, particularly younger ones, to spend more time
in their lobbies and bars. They are increasingly stocking books in a
central location, designating book suites or playing host to author
readings. While the trend began at boutique hotels like the Library
Hotel in New York, the Heathman Hotel in Portland, Ore., and the Study
at Yale in New Haven, it is expanding to chain hotels.
More at The New York Times
The OpenBook is a seat and a library that celebrates the printed form.
Its design represents an evolution from TILT’s original Library Chair which itself was designed for a Grade II listed building where shelving for books could not be installed so instead the books were incorporated into the chair design.
It is a comfortable reading space for those wanting a quieter moment, while also a showcase for books and magazines of any size and shape. At the same time the chair was to be open, exposing the user to others within the space allowing for serendipitous interaction.
The OpenBook Chair has a fully upholstered interior, including an upholstered side panel, offering additional comfort and sound insulation.
Studio Tilt
The shelf is divided in two parts enabling communication between these. So that the product becomes a mutable object. This adapts and changes its shape depending on the content in it. By putting books in a category, that becomes bigger allowing to store more books. Through this function, the product allows us to use different sections as comparators. We know, for example, who reads more books. Or what kind of books are the ones that you read more as it always displays the amount of books in each.
Behind the product lies a message that comes once the user has used the
shelf. Through its function, the object aims to bring users to the three
main socializing agents; individuals, institutions and
information. When someone uses the shelf to see who reads more books, it
creates a relationship between people who, even in person or not,
becomes a link between individuals. Something similar happens when
splitting our books by type or theme. The shelf reveals the institution
that we’re closer. And, always, refers to information because it
represents an indication of the level of information consumed.
Roger Moliné
