This mini library is dedicated to Captain Cipriano A. Barba, who risked his life spreading knowledge and information through "Barba Press" during the Japanese Occupation in the Philippines. He was an instrumental figure in alleviating fear and inspiring hope to the Filipino people.

It is fitting that this structure now serves as the emblem for the “Share a Book, Inspire a Life” program, which aims to distribute books to students in the difficult to access mountainous areas of the Visayas.

We started the design process by questioning the typical library setup in a small 6x6 m space to accommodate three distinct yet essential activities — individual reading, browsing of books (which also requires ample storage space), and interacting/ collaborating, each requiring different levels of social interaction, light and privacy. 

​Using  18 load bearing precast components, structurally it is designed such that there is no  need for additional columns and beams. These components are used flexibly for the floor, partitions and roof. The unique building system allowed the main structure to be built in only two days.​