The Sea of Books

XIPIN Interior Design Co.,Ltd

Short description

The aim of this project is to showcase the value of sharing and passing on knowledge through the creation of a reading space. In the past, school libraries were typically designed to maximize capacity, resulting in a cramped and uninspiring environment. However, our team believes that reading should be an accessible and communal experience. To achieve this, we propose offering a range of reading options that cater to different moods and preferences. Whether users seek relaxation, spiritual reflection, social interaction, or serious study, the library space accommodates a variety of needs and purposes.

The project's main objective is to conserve history and improve reading experience. The "corridor" signifies "heritage," while the "circle" represents "shared memory." Furthermore, the "shelves arranged in layers" provide an interactive way of presenting information. As you enter the library's corridor, you'll notice the marble wall with maple leaf outlines, symbolizing the College of Liberal Arts’s maple walkway. The design aims to evoke fond memories for those familiar with the campus and create excitement for newcomers. The central core boasts a unique ceiling shape formed by "concentric circles" lattice elements, symbolizing collective memories of teachers and students. A wooden circular podium serves as the space's centerpiece, surrounded by stepped seating for lectures and reading. The bookshelves are arranged in a "layer-by-layer" and "radial" approach, providing ample space for a vast collection while maintaining flexibility and intuitive accessibility for users. Overall, the space offers an open, diverse and unrestricted environment for all to enjoy.

The project's design aims to incorporate the cultural memories of the campus, the natural surroundings, and the interactions among the site's users into the space. The designer has successfully brought the old maple trees and traditional concrete building marks of the campus into the new space from the library corridor. By blending the past with the present, the design expresses the idea of retaining the wisdom of the past while moving forward towards the future. The center of the library features an innovative design of concentric circles and radial grilles, which not only expands the spatial feeling but also symbolizes the idea of determination. The bookshelves surrounding the center of the space are arranged outward in layers, providing an interactive space and allowing natural light to change with time. This creates a tranquil and serene atmosphere that is perfect for reading.

During the project's execution, designers have to deal with unconventional construction interfaces due to the implementation of "concentric circles" and "radial" designs. They must also consider the size restrictions of different unit materials and ensure that the material texture conforms to the space's structure. This poses a significant challenge during actual implementation. To address this, planning and engineering units used positioning instruments to distribute space and mark and discuss the plan repeatedly. Through the designers' and engineers' professional and quality insistence, each configuration point was precisely achieved.

The purpose of a library is to help readers effortlessly and efficiently locate the books they desire from a vast collection. To achieve this, the designers employed a clear system of symbols for the floors, shelves, and cabinets. They also considered ergonomics and planned angles and sizes that make it easy for users to locate and handle books according to their preferences. Additionally, the flooring and cabinets are constructed with materials that carry the Green Building Material Label. These materials are not only durable, but also promote the values of "ecological health," "human health," and "global sustainability." Such measures ensure that readers can enjoy a convenient, comfortable, and healthy reading experience.

The library project takes a fresh perspective on space planning and moves away from conventional design by embracing a contemporary and all-inclusive environment. This approach is in sync with National Chengchi University's core value to promote an open campus culture that mirrors Taiwan's advancement towards diversity. The design provides a range of spaces for reading and lectures, including cozy sofas by the windows and bookshelves arranged radially. Moreover, users can relish the comfort of "MUSE" chairs, which are ergonomically designed to offer a delightful reading experience. On the whole, the design prioritizes user comfort and highlights the importance of diversity.

The project was designed with the user's best interaction in mind. From the movement and shelves' arrangement to the dynamic and static fields, everything was taken into consideration. The space offers multiple possibilities for reading modes, such as relaxing, spiritual, interactive, or solemn. Users can enjoy reading in various areas, including the open circular podium, the reading area with tables and chairs, and the bedroom reading space near the window. This approach makes reading more engaging and attracts more people to enjoy the process of reading. Ultimately, this vision aims to make reading a more enjoyable experience for everyone.