Evidence-Informed Biophilic Public Library Design for Humid-Tropical Makassar

Abstract

Public libraries in growing tropical cities need to function as inclusive civic-learning infrastructure rather than as book repositories. This study develops an evidence-informed framework for a biophilic public library and study center in Makassar, Indonesia. A research-by-design method integrated 2020–2024 demographic data, comparison of two candidate sites, humid-tropical climate conditions, activity-based spatial programming, precedent studies, and biophilic-design literature. Analysis combined descriptive statistics, compound annual growth, ordinary least-squares trend estimation, program normalization, and directional interpretation of sun, wind, potential noise exposure, and access. Potential users increased from 410,000 to 429,000, corresponding to 1.14% compound annual growth. The 2034 planning range is approximately 474,700–484,000 potential users. The selected approximately 1.6-ha site requires responses to eastern traffic exposure, western afternoon heat, high humidity, and monsoon rainfall. The 5,696 m² program assigns 70% to primary learning activities. The three-level proposal combines planted buffers, a semi-open atrium, reading stairs, flexible spaces, a shaded envelope, and mixed-mode conditioning. The resulting framework provides a traceable process for connecting user demand, climate, program, landscape, envelope, and operation within a testable design hypothesis. Environmental and behavioral performance remains subject to simulation, stakeholder review, and post-occupancy evaluation.