Bridging Education Equality for Underprivileged Youths Through Spatial Designs in Public Libraries in Shanghai

Yang Si Han

ABSTRACT

Public libraries are a shared space where people of different age, gender, and income level interact with one another to bridge differences with their common goal of learning. In an age where online information is readily accessible, library attendees increasingly value the unique physical space that libraries offer which is not present in their homes. This is especially true for underprivileged youths who view public libraries as a second home. This research surveyed 109 underprivileged and privileged youths in order to compare their needs in a library’s spatial designs with the final goal of recommending spatial designs features public libraries could include. Interviews with eight renowned libraries internationally, and the researcher’s observations at the Shanghai Pudong Library are also included to add additional insights. While seating space is a top consideration for both groups, the results show that underprivileged youths value the basic functions of a library while the privileged desire a more aesthetic value. This research also suggests that future research could dive into improving architectural structures of public libraries to be more youth-focused.

Bridging Education Equality for Underprivileged Youths Through Spatial Designs in Public

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