An Interview With Third Winner Of Tiny Library 2023 Architecture Competition - Void Studios (Ian Sanders & Roberta Vasnic)

We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you with Void Studios (Ian Sanders & Roberta Vasnic), from United Kingdom- The Third Winner Of Tiny Library 2023 Architecture Competition. Void Studios Architecture and Research was formed in late 2022 as a response to the challenges we all face from the climate emergency. They have over 40 years of combined experience in architecture in all sectors.

Void Studios is worked on residential, commercial, education and urban design projects and is developing research focused on indigenous wisdom and resilience in a time of climate emergency.

Come and take a look at what the Third Winner- Void Studios of Tiny Library 2023 with their proposal The Seventh Generation Library have to say about their experience and journey throughout the competition. For the purpose of this interview they would be referred as VS to responses, however Volume Zero referred as VZ.

VS- Void Studios Architecture and Research was formed in late 2022 as a response to the challenges we all face from the climate emergency. 

VS- Although the practice was formed in 2022, we have over 40 years combined experience in architecture in all sectors. During our careers, we have both won numerous awards for architecture and research. Void Studios is worked on residential, commercial, education and urban design projects and is developing research focused on indigenous wisdom and resilience 

in a time of climate emergency.

VS- We recognise that design competitions such as the Tiny Library are an excellent way to showcase your design philosophy. As a new architectural practice, competitions become vehicles to demonstrate our skills and approach. 

VS- Obviously, in this instance, the reduced space allowance is a significant design issue that needed careful consideration. However, the nature of what a future library should be was the most interesting aspect of this project for us. In a world overrun by digital information, we respect the place that the printed word should command. The connection with an object that you hold if very different to that which is viewed on a screen. We felt that our design should maximise the amount of space available for printed publications. We included desk space for screens as this allows the most flexibility for people using the space.

VS- The main focus for us in this project was to design a building that was completely integrated with its natural setting. Building on the indigenous theory of the seventh generation, the library would be constructed predominantly in timber and, over the generations would become wrapped in the roots of the trees above, until it becomes a living part of the forest. This metaphor carries into the use of the building. As a library located adjacent to the Living Roots Bridge, on the edge of Riwai, in the Meghalaya region of India, its purpose is to establish, enhance and embed knowledge in the community. This knowledge will grow over generations, as the roots cloak the structure, rooting the library into the community and nature.

VS- We recently completed the Tiny House 2023 competition and found the challenge of designing to a reduced area interesting. We were attracted to the same idea in this competition.

VS- We are both curious people. We see every project as a means to push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking. Architecture and design offer a means to explore, interrogate and solve problems. 

VS- Our approach is one of openness, curiosity and inquiry. Underpinning our work is the belief that every space and every place starts with the potential for regenerative design and it’s our job to bring it to fruition. Architects and designers are in a unique position to facilitate change. This is more important than ever as we face global challenges from the climate emergency.

VS- Our approach is inspired by our work with the Andean indigenous communities in Ecuador. Our research integrates the theory of impermanence inspired by the indigenous regenerative processes of the Seventh generation. This study allows us to integrate time and nature as collaborators in our designs, explore cross-generational relationships, synergies within the local ecosystem, achieving a state of homeostasis, where our work becomes emergent from its native environment.

VS- Every project is different, and they each have particular aspects that demand more attention. However, generally, we focus on regenerative design and the whole life cycle of a building.

VS- Generally, having a clear, succinct idea and ensuring that every element of the design contributes towards that idea. In this project, we believe the key reason for our success is how we have represented the dimension of time into an architectural proposition. The building will remain in a state of growth during its life, both as a library and as decay, serving nature in the future. 

VS- We have a range of tools to help our design process. We use Revit in conjunction with Enscape and Twnimotion as our principal modelling and drawings software. In this project we utilised the application Grasshopper, to create the roots structure over the library. However, in this project, as with most, the design starts with a sketch on paper and a simple physical model to test ideas. We decided to show the test model in our submission board to show how the design evolved.