From 19 to 23 January, third-year Interior Design students enrolled in the Home Staging course took part in the refurbishment of the library at Arriagako Haritza Public School in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
This initiative was launched in response to a broader need identified within the public school system and emerged from the collaboration between the teaching teams of both institutions. The primary aim was to transform the library into a more attractive, functional space tailored to the real needs of its students. The project sought to encourage greater use of the library and to turn it into an inspiring environment for reading and learning. An initial meeting with the school allowed to gain first-hand insight into its expectations and specific requirements.
During the design phase, the students were divided into four groups, each developing a distinct proposal. This approach enabled the school to assess a range of solutions before selecting the option that best aligned with its objectives. It also ensured a broad and diverse exploration of potential interventions.
After several weeks of development and the formal presentation of the proposals, one proposal was ultimately selected for its strong visual concept and practical effectiveness. The selected concept draws inspiration from the universe and outer space, incorporating elements such as rockets, planets and galaxies. Blue color serves as the project’s unifying thread, creating a calm atmosphere that supports concentration while giving the space a stronger sense of character and personality. The proposal also prioritised sustainability through the reuse of existing furniture, which was reorganised and adapted with paint and targeted interventions to enhance both its functionality and visual appeal.
During the implementation week, the IDarte students once again worked in coordinated teams, each responsible for specific tasks: door painting, carpentry work, interventions in the main library room and the redesign of the access corridor. The school’s own pupils also took part in creating some of the decorative elements, further reinforcing the collaborative nature of the project.
This project provided a valuable opportunity to engage with a real commission, addressing every stage of the process, from initial concept development to final execution. At the same time, it allowed the students to collaborate with the school community and to contribute to the creation of a thoughtfully designed, stimulating space where children can grow, imagine and learn.