This project is part of a long series of studies on the theme of the library together with the project of the Junior Centre in Sary-Myeon.
Even though the library has assumed many different forms throughout the course of history, all these forms can be divided into two different typologies. Each typology is defined by the character of the place where it is located.
One typology sees the library as a place to retreat and spend time in nature, while the other sees the library as a temple for books, as Louis Kahn put it.
The first typology is comprised of spaces in close relationship with nature. The buildings of this typology are located in areas disconnected from nature and they have a designated space in the centre that is similar to a courtyard.
The second typology originates from Boullée's Royal Library and it's represented by libraries that are usually located in areas of outstanding natural beauty. These libraries are temples for books, packed with full bookshelves where people can enjoy a good book in reading rooms overlooking nature.
Figure-ground plan with the project
The most representative examples of the first typology are Hadrian's Library in Athens, as we saw in my project of the Junior Centre in Sary-myeon, and the Library of Pergamum in the city's Upper Acropolis area. The latter features a C-shaped arcade that creates an open courtyard overlooking the city below, a space that defines the entire building and also acts as a reading room for the users of the library. The bookshelves are located along the arcade
Valencia University Library in Spain, Giorgio Grassi, 1998 / Stockholm Public Library in Sweden, Gunnar Asplund, 1928 / Phillips Exeter Academy Library in America, Louis Kahn, 1972
As mentioned, the second typology originates from Boullée's Royal Library. Boullée's Library features four stepped walls that enclose the main reading room. In the same category we can also find Grassi's Valencia University Library and the Phillips Exeter Academy Library by Louis Kahn. In Kahn's library, the structure of the two main spaces (one dedicated to reading and one for book storage) is the opposite of the one found in Boullée's Library. The central atrium is enclosed by the bookshelves surrouding it and the reading rooms are located behind the bookshelves, on the outer perimeter. The reading rooms overlook the natural landscape of the site.
Map of the Upper Acropolis of Pergamon: C-shaped library in the center, ancient Greece
Another example of the second typology is the the Stockholm Public Library designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund. The building is articulated in two independent volumes that emphasise the different characters of the two main spaces (the reading room and the the bookshelves). The structure is defined by a central cylindral space surrounded by books. The C-shaped volume that encloses this space, accommodates the reading rooms and creates a connection between these rooms and the outside surroundings through its large windows.
These libraries represent different possible outcomes of the same concept. A library is essentially composed of two parts: a place surrounded by books and a reading room overlooking nature.
Main perspective view of the project
Concept sketch of the project / Isometric diagram of the project
The site of my project is an L-shaped block enclosed by a residential complex. The competition required participants to design a small park in the area facing the library. Our first idea was to landscape the area by planting trees and grass along the borders of the site. Like a small forest, the surrounding nature encloses and protects the space where the library is located.
The lines of trees here constitute an architectural element. The two volumes of the library are represented by the adult library and the children's library. The volume of the adult library faces a line of trees, along with the reading tables. Thanks to its balconies, the building is open on one side, overlooking the central space.
In this space we can find a pavilion: the children's library. The structure of the pavilion is very open and its constructive elements are stripped down to a minimum. As a result, the bookshelf of the children's library becomes the only architectural element that can be seen from anywhere in the site.
Volumetric master plan of the project
Perspective view of the project
First floor plan of the Daegu Gosan Public Librar / Second floor plan of the Daegu Gosan Public Library
Basement floor plan of the Daegu Gosan Public Library / Ground floor plan of the Daegu Gosan Public Library
Elevation of the children library / Front elevation of the adult library / Rear elevation of the adult library / Elevations of the pavilion in the small park
Sectional perspective view of the children library
Sectional perspective view of the the project
