It may only have been launched by Apple yesterday, but Melbourne practice ClarkeHopkinsClarke says the iPad holds significant potential for architects.

In fact, one of the firm’s architects has already designed a concept for a library using iPads to create a multi-touch, sound-emitting wall.

While the library design is just a concept, it is something that could also work for schools and businesses.

“We have to be quick with new technologies,” designer John Leung told Architecture & Design.

“There is a lot of potential for architects to use iPads in their designs — they are a very reasonable price, meaning that we can now have a wall of computers rather than a wall of screens.”

The iPad’s modular design also makes installation and replacement easy, since each device has its own processor.

In the trend towards interactivity, technology will play a big role in design, Leung said.

The iPad is retailing for US$499 and an Australian price is not yet available. The device is billed as being revolutionary for web browsing, reading, watching videos, playing games and reading e-books.

It has a high-resolution multi-touch display that lets you interact with content, is just 13.4 mm thick and weights 0.68 kg, making it thinner and lighter than any laptop or notebook.