Pictures courtesy of Ellen Forsyth
Re-purpose is the first word out of my mouth when it comes to the 3Rs. But, what about unloved books? Sure you can swap them, leave on a park bench for other to find or sell them. But creating furniture out them? Well, this concept tops my list.
Delft University of Technolog did just that. One of their building, Bowkunde building, suffered a devasting loss by fire, which started in a coffee machine on the sixth floor. Many of the books were salvaged and used to make the above recycled book library desk. Why I am not surprised that architectural community at the University would not think of a way to re-use those books? Architects are out of the book thinkers.
To see a slideshow of this wonderful library, see here. For a little taste of the recycled book desk, check out the pictures below.
According to a recent Inhabitat article,
“The new library includes collaborative study areas, computer stations, cozy seating, and above all, an entire collection of architecture books making it the ideal haven for architecture students and staff to escape.”
In the Treehugger article, a commenter stated that the books were brand new, which would be very disturbing since I am sure there are numerous old books that could be use. Just ask schools, especially universities, since it seems their books are outdated every year. Oh, there are law books from court house libraries that are no longer being used due to the shift to computer generated use.
Yes, sadly, I know of one library that got rid of all their books and threw them in the garbage because they couldn’t find a use for them. No one wanted them. I know. Why not shred them or give them to Corvus Recycling who could shred, de-bind them and ultimately recycle them?
Back to the commenter claiming that the books were new. To be honest, this makes sense, since I can’t imagine any books would remain after a devastating fire. I hope that this is not true, but the recycled book desk above still shows the possibility of what you could do with your once loved old books.
For more used book related art and furniture, see here.
Images by Ellen Forsyth via Inhabitat and Recylart. Tip via Treehugger.
Ecover US Blog says
September 21, 2010 at 11:11 amThis takes re-using books to a whole new level! (We just figured people would keep reading them and passing them along.) Thanks for posting these great photos.
-Deb for Ecover
Marla says
October 8, 2013 at 11:14 amVery interesting and unique idea. great way to recycle and increase your knowledge. thanks for sharing!
Anna@Green Talk says
October 8, 2013 at 7:39 pmMarla, I love this design! I am glad you enjoyed it. Anna