Poplar Idea Store, London



Architect
Adjaye Associates
Date Built
2004
Location
Crisp Street Market
Description
The Poplar Idea Store sits beside the East India Dock Road on the edge of the Crisp Street Market.  It describes itself as, "... more than just a library or a place for learning. As well as library services, they offer a wide range of adult learning courses and an extensive activities and events programme."



Adjaye Associates, the architects, responded to the challenge set by the Borough of Tower Hamlet for their concept of Idea Stores to, "... improve access to a wide range of information and educational facilities  To this end, the organisation of the interior is highly permeadble and the circulation is organised as a 'promendade architecturale' linking the lower levels to a cafe on the top floor."



The building is sensitive to its location within a busy market adjacent to housing.  The southern façade is the most transparent allowing people going to and from the market to look inside.  However, dark grey powder-coated panels were used on the northern and western façades to provide privacy.