Architecture, aesthetics, class and library attendance: An overlooked threshold for visiting public libraries

Abstract

ABSTRACT Several researchers have applied Bourdieu’s concept of habitus to studies regarding the experience of space and architecture, concluding that respondents often experience surroundings very differently, depending on their social class. Therefore, it can become problematic when public institutions opt for an architectural style that could discourage members of lower/working classes to visit. We believe this to be the case for public libraries, which are housed increasingly frequent in very abstract, iconic buildings. In this article, we present different analyses into this topic performed on data that was gathered in a large scale user survey in public libraries in Flanders and a literature review that explores both the subject of iconic architecture and the relationship between class, architecture and aesthetics.