Benilde's innovative library design wins prestigious PAARL award for accessibility and inclusion

The Ultimate Guide Benilde's Innovative Library Design Wins Prestigious 
PAARL Award for Accessibility and Inclusion

The Br. Fidelis Leddy Center for Learning Resources (CLR) at De La Salle-Co
Salle-College of Saint Benilde has earned the prestigious Innovative Librar
Library Design Award from the Philippine Association of Academic/Research L
Librarians (Paarl). This esteemed recognition highlights the impact of exce
exceptional design on learning, teaching, and research within communities.

The award-winning library design features inspiring internal spaces, archit
architectural expression, and functionality. The CLR's innovative approach 
includes FSL-friendly features, flexible learning spaces, and an efficient 
room-booking system. These elements create an accessible, adaptable, and fo
forward-thinking educational environment for all Benildeans.

At the heart of the CLR's design is a commitment to inclusion and accessibi
accessibility. The library supports diverse learning styles and needs, with
with intentionally wide and open aisles for wheelchair users and tactile pa
paths for blind and low-vision students. Customizable features allow learne
learners to adapt spaces to meet their individual needs.

The college's design philosophy emphasizes that no two learners are ever th
the same. To cater to this diversity, the CLR offers various learning space
spaces, including the Think Hub for solo focus, collaboration pods for grou
group work, and play areas for relaxation and socialization.

The Material Resource Hub at the Design + Arts Campus takes a more experien
experiential approach, providing access to specialized tactile materials th
through partnerships with organizations like DOST. This hands-on approach e
enables young talents to engage with learning in a tangible way.

Benilde CLR Director Michael Anthony Mojica highlights the importance of le
learner-centered plans and intentional design in creating an inclusive envi
environment. Innovative and inclusive learning spaces are important becaus
because they allow libraries to respond to the diverse needs of their commu
communities, he explains.

The Paarl award citation was presented by 2026 President Rainera Boholst an
and 2025 President Dr. Rosetta Nuera to Mojica, Readers' Services Unit Head
Head Anna Sajona, and Technical Services Unit Head Vanessa Napoles. This re
recognition affirms the vision behind the redesigned CLR and its commitment
commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence in academic library spa
spaces.

Conclusion

Benilde's innovative library design is a testament to the power of intentio
intentional design in creating inclusive and accessible learning environmen
environments. As we strive for excellence in our work, we must prioritize e
evanescent moments of connection, collaboration, and discovery. By embracin
embracing diversity and promoting accessibility, we can create spaces that 
empower learners to participate fully and develop as lifelong learners.

Keywords library design, accessibility, inclusion, innovation, De La S
Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Paarl award, inclusive learning spaces, eva
evanescent moments

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.