Field Note

Microlibraries: A Strategic Response to Scarcity

Florian Heinzelmann and Daliana Suryawinata

The microlibraries are SHAU's series of projects aimed at fostering reading interest by establishing socio-climatic community spaces under 250m2, employing scarcity and environmentally conscious materials as design strategies.

Florian Heinzelmann and Daliana Suryawinata established their firm SHAU in 2009, initially in the Netherlands and later in Indonesia. SHAU engages in projects of various scales, ranging from microlibraries to performing arts centers, with a strong focus on social and environmental agendas. Their dedication to these causes has earned them numerous awards, including Archdaily's Building of the Year 2021, Architizer A+ Awards in 2020 and 2017, INDE. Awards in 2018, the Holcim Silver Award APAC in 2017, and a shortlist nomination for the Aga Khan Award in 2019.


Microlibraries: A Strategic Response to Scarcity