Imagine a place where you can create, explore and bring ideas to life. This is the concept of the Vancouver Public Library’s Inspiration Lab – a free public space to nurture the talent and creativity of our city. A hub for learning and experimenting with traditional, digital and new media: VPL’s Inspiration Lab will be an incubator – a place where the next generation of Vancouver’s digital and creative community gets its start.
As reported in the Vancouver Sun, Christina de Castell, the library’s director of resources and technology, said the lab will be a place where people can bring digital stories to life, using the library’s equipment. Examples might include converting old videotapes into digital family movies, or using one of five audio booths to have a grandparent’s voice narrate a family movie. The equipment will be bookable and free of charge for the public, de Castell said, adding the library is also working with local technology companies to develop training and possibly an expert-in-residence to help people use the tools.
It is a massive undertaking to get the space ready for the Inspiration Lab which includes moving about 750,000 books, 800 bays of shelving and 50 computers and workstations.
Read the whole Vancouver Sun story here
RATIO is proud to lead the creative design for the Inspiration Lab. RATIO, in consultation with library staff, has helped to define and refine the new Inspiration Lab space while maintaining a cohesive link to the existing library architecture designed by renowned architect, Moshe Safdie. The Inspiration Lab will be on the 2nd floor and approximately 6000 square feet. The design will connect this new space to the existing library in a respectful and innovative way. From aspiring young techies and new business innovators to budding artists and storytellers of all ages, VPL’s Inspiration Lab will provide an open space with access to technology and programs that enable creativity and new ideas. Find out more about the Inspiration Lab here.
The Inspiration Lab will feature:
Recording studios and editing workstations for video and sound
Digitization tools to preserve and share stories
Workshops, classes and lectures in areas such as digital and emerging media with local technology partners
Opportunities to learn from Experts in Residence at the library
Related news:
RATIO designed Inspiration Lab – project in progress
Inspiration Lab design being led by RATIO
VPL needs your help to build the Inspiration Lab
