The design proposal for the Daegu Gosan Public Library aim towards becoming a knowledge based city by putting a strong emphasis on the multiple roles of a library as a knowledge based center accessible to all. Designed by wHY Architecture & Design, their project is based on the concept and form of an opened book. The library unfolds to the public green space, engages the landscape into a continuous surface, and invites people to activate and share the space to facilitate knowledge. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The dramatic opened book form of the library building serves as a symbol of the library as a knowledge information center. Once inside the central atrium of the library, the curved, continuous vertical stack of books on the South side of the site is the focal view, glorifying and emphasizing the theme of the power of knowledge. This view is breathtaking with punched skylghts in the curved roof structure and glazing all around that enable the central atrium to glow. In essence, the library becomes an enlightened space where knowledge and light transmit and radiate. The stacks and the physical activities related to cultivating creativity are also highly visible from the busier street on the North side of site.
Our library with its open plan is also designed as a life-long education center. The library accommodates the need for life-long education to fit each of the life-cycle according to the changing social structure addressed in the space programming for different users of various ages and learning need. The flexible plan and moveable furniture can adapt and change for future library use and possibilities.
With its dramatic entrance and seating inspired by the pages of a book, the library also acts as a social and cultural center. The stepped page-like entrance that also functions as a social public space for gathering is a reminder that access and public space, like knowledge, is universal. The library is thus activated as a local community space full of interaction in and around the building. Bridged walkways inside the library allow cross interaction of library programming and users. Ample spaces inside the library can accommodate various educational cultural and community programming. A sense of a continuous landscape extends the green urban park context into the library building itself. With its dramatic form and scale, the library building serves as a true civil monument.
The library is also highlighted as a leisure center. Park leisure and public social gathering extend to the library plaza entrance with plenty of steps and seating. Glazing and daylight inside the library allows for a comfortable environment for a variety of creative activities.
To serve as a true community space, the library also serves as an amenities center. People can access the many libraries services, including those for shelter, social gathering, and technological amenities like wireless internet without even stepping foot inside the building. The public plaza attached to the library entrance particularly takes advantage of the physical library amenities available that are available to the public throughout the entire day. Common area programmed spaces and open user programmed library spaces are also easily accessible from the other entrances.
Our opened book library design for Daegu Gosan Public Library is a true knowledge based center serving the multiples roles of a public library and facilitating the transmission of knowledge through its architecture.
