BiebBus: Amazing Dutch Children’s Library Pops Up Inside a Shipping Container

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/new-uk-library-fits-within-a-phone-booth/">Mobile libraries</a> are not a new concept -- but this converted shipping container that can transform to <a href="http://inhabitat.com/edv-01-robotic-emergency-housing-unit-is-entirely-self-sufficient/">double its size</a> certainly is. Conceived to help support local Dutch schools that lack the funds or space for a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=library">library</a>, the BiebBus can pull in, pop up, and let kids participate in a parable or two. The design is also a lot of fun -- with a transparent floor, cool lights, and huge portals for kids to see out, the BiebBus makes kids excited to grab a book, kick back, and explore the written word.

Since many of the old <a href="http://inhabitat.com/amazing-brick-machine-rolls-out-roads-like-carpet/">Dutch town roads</a> are so narrow, a new idea came to Architect Jord den Hollander.

He saw an opportunity in tricking out a typical<a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=shipping+container"> shipping container </a>by having it pop up-- revealing a small library below and a reading room above.

The library embraces the digital age with four computer terminals, but it also packs 100 meters of book shelves in its slender interior.

The fun design uses a transparent floor to help light the lower section of the libray and let adults keep an eye on the youngsters above.

OK, thats not the fun part -- the cool effect of the magnifiying floor makes<a href="http://www.inhabitots.com/"> kids</a> look huge, turning the libray into a sort of fun house.

The big old round windows at top and bean bag seats provide the perfect backdrop to sink into a new story.