Library of Things: Un-Locking Wolverhampton Part 1 Project 2024 Nell Spriggs University of Wolverhampton Wolverhampton | UK The Library of Things serves as a response to the pervasive issue of over-consumerism, a phenomenon deeply rooted in the legacy of the industrial revolution. Nestled within an industrial area alongside a railway and canal, the design draws inspiration from the historical significance of the canal and lock, emblematic of the region's industrial past. A complex network of canals criss-cross the region and played a crucial role in the development of Wolverhampton and the Black country. Canal locks are an essential component of canals and are considered engineering marvels that enable boats to traverse waterways with varying elevations. Locks serve as pivotal junctures of advancement along the canal, marking transitional points where progress is made. The locks slow the journey and serve as hubs for social interaction, where travellers converge and cross paths. The ‘gates’ symbolically welcome the local community onto the site and into the library as the lock guides the boats. The design prioritises community cohesion, integrating features intended to foster interaction and collaboration. Notably, sustainable construction methods are employed, utilising materials such as straw and other renewable or recycled resources, aligning with the project's ethos of environmental responsibility and resilience against the pitfalls of excessive consumerism. Tutor(s)