Good Design

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by alphabassettgrrl

It might not be real books. Could be just designed to look that way.

From the comments on the linked article:

Originally Posted by Wendy Tan

I use to work at this university. According to the library staff I asked when we first moved in to the new premises. These books were purchased, new and then made into those counters.

[Not Afraid]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

From the comments on the linked article:

One person made this comment but at least 15 other articles about the new library - including a relatively in-depth look at the new facility - refer to the desk as using recycled, reused, repurposed, or upcycled books for the construction.

Recycled books, journals and magazines were used to construct the desk, which was then topped with glass to provide durability and stability.

Read more: TU Delft Architecture Library Desk Made From Books | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

A massive fire destroyed the original library and as much as possible was salvaged and re-used from the original facility.

I personally prefer upcycling, repurposing or whatever you choose to call it over filling up a landfill.