FAITH OF BOOK
Featured in ArchiCreation Magazine
Public Library
Instructor: Xiaofeng Zhu
Individual Work
Just as Louis Kahn said, "If you were given the first commission before libraries were ever built to build a place where these books can be, what would you do?" When I thought about a reading space, the bookshelf prototype directly came to my mind.
Usually, the bookshelf is used to store books; however, it also can be utilized to determine a boundary or separate space. With the vertical and horizontal division of bookshelf, it transfers the force from top to bottom and resists lateral force. Based on the analysis of bookshelf, a prototype space model is created, as shown on the left, with the integration of wall, roof, and structure. The bookshelf not only provides a place for books but also produces a sacred atmosphere, where people perceive a strong feeling of reading and knowledge.
To bring the reading space to the site, I analyze the type of surrounding buildings and the requirement of the community. With the diagram of people's timeline and activity, I renovate the whole site and focus on designing a new reading space to meet their requirements.
In the main library, a spiral circulation around the central space leads people to different platforms. Along with the circulation, the dimension of module changes, responding to structure, function, and activity.
