SOUTH BAY DIGS | Digital Edition Online

42 DIGS.NET | 4.2.2021 P R O F I L E | O L D L I B R A R Y A R C H I T E C T U R E + D E S I G N The Old, In a New Light Part of a sweeping overhaul of Sweden's Nationalmuseum, the Old Library is refreshed for a new century with sustainable interiors by Emma Olbers. W R I T T E N B Y J E N N T H O R N T O N R ead the room at the Old Library at National- museum in Stockholm, Sweden and one discovers the virtues of vibrant, sustainable- minded design. Part of a broader five-year effort to renovate and rebuild Sweden's national gallery—one of the best-preserved 19th century specimens in Europe—Old Library was built in the past, but with designer Emma Olbers at the helm of its interiors, focused on the future. Given that the mannerly Nationalmuseum was for most of its years gradual, only coming around to installing electricity in 1931, more than six decades after the gallery opened in 1863, the swift and committed orientation toward the current moment feels a bit radical. Rare is a wait so worthy. To meet the needs of a modern arts institution, Nationalmuseum underwent improvements that included the opening of windows to accommodate heaps of natural light that is central to the overall renovation; repainting display rooms in contemporary colors; and creating space to accommodate more visitors and the simultaneous showing of the museum's collection of 700,000 art objects set in new historical contexts. That Old Library, where material from National- museum's Art Library and archives is exhibited, emerges as a highlight of the broader revamp—and standing entirely on its own—speaks to the depth of its exquisitely done interior. Instructed to design a room for reflection, rest and small exhibitions, Olbers aimed to show visitors the look and feel of good materials. "Why good materials?" she asks. "I have always focused on sustainability." In particular climate and the importance of limiting greenhouse gases, particularly where it concerns furniture production, where materials account for around 50 per cent of total carbon emissions. "Material really is the key when it comes to sustainability and furniture," explains Olbers, who thoughtfully explored sustainable furniture production via her exhibition at the Swedish Furniture Fair 2016, "Where does it come from, where does it go." Her commitment to this exploration is central to the Old Library. "We really wanted to use material with low carbon, like soft wood, and fast-growing fibers— for example, seagrass and hemp. We also wanted to show finishes that do that the furniture age with grace and are easy to maintain, like flax oil." In not using any mass-produced industrial leather, which she says is 300 times more CO2e than a material, such as birch, or other environmental culprits harmful to Earth systems, Olbers gives credence to modern design with unimpeachable climate credentials. PHOTOGRAPH: NATIONALMUSEUM/BRUNO EHRS

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