Winschoten saw the opening of the new Cultuurhuis De Klinker recently. The cultural centre replaces the old De Klinker theatre which was demolished in 2009. The new building is the culmination a development plan spanning many years and which elicited fierce discussion in the municipality of Oldambt. Meanwhile the dust has settled and the new Klinker is being put to good use by residents of the municipality.

Multifunctional

De Klinker houses a theatre, theatre café, the local broadcasting company, music and dance school and a cinema. And, of course, Winschoten Library. Bieb Systemen was commissioned to supply the interior elements of the library. Like most other libraries which are part of the Biblionet Groningen network, Winschoten Library has been designed according to the ‘Blackbox’ formula. This ready-made design formula is based on principles from the retail world and was developed by Biblionet in partnership with SVT Branding & Design Group.

The Groningen library formula

We spoke to Alian Spelde, head of Libraries at Biblionet Groningen. From Biblionet, she was closely involved in developing the Blackbox concept, also known as the ‘Groningen library formula’. The decision to ask Bieb Systemen to supply the furniture and other interior elements was easy, according to Alian.

“It was obvious very early on that Bieb Systemen would be our furniture maker. They make good customised products and respond quickly to changes in the market. Furthermore, they actively contribute to the design process. And not unimportantly: they don’t charge top prices.

Bieb Systemen had already supplied the interior design of several other Groningen libraries using the Blackbox formula. Winschoten Library is now the last, but the next client will be getting underway soon (Hoogezand). Because many libraries in Groningen now use the same formula, it is very easy to exchange furniture and other interior elements with other libraries. That’s a real advantage.”

Excellent relationship

“It’s very nice working with the people from Bieb Systemen and Van Keulen Interieurbouw (ed.: the parent company of Bieb Systemen). Even director-owner Joop van Keulen sometimes pops in when we’re involved in a project. And he sometimes volunteers some interesting ideas. The same applies to Gina Draaijer, director at Bieb Systemen. Overall, at Biblionet we have an excellent relationship with Bieb Systemen and Van Keulen Interieurbouw, on a business and a personal level.”