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Olivia Lau

Olivia Lau

New York, NY, US

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sectional model of project showing book stacks and reading spaces
sectional model of project showing book stacks and reading spaces
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Kazakhstan National Library

The National Library of Kazakhstan seeks to become a new national symbol that transforms spaces from a horizontal organization, where functions are placed next to each other, to a vertical orientation, where they are stacked on top of each other. A strategic organizational system combines vertical hierarchy, horizontal connectivity, and diagonal view lines. The massing is a central circle, which houses the book stacks, with a series of public programs arranged along a continuous spiraling path that wraps around the circle.

The facade manifests as a twisted tube that wraps around the interior volumes, yet remains detached from them. By wrapping the transforming composition of spaces with this continuous skin, the facade changes from wall to roof and back again.

Where reading spaces face the outer facade skin, extensions branch out and are connected at the edge. This once-empty space becomes thickened with activity as people walk along the facade.

 
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Status: School Project
Location: Astana, KZ

 
project rendering of facade skin and interior volumes
project rendering of facade skin and interior volumes
project model showing museum exhibition terrace and interior spaces
project model showing museum exhibition terrace and interior spaces
project model showing continuous stair circulation connecting museum exhibition terraces
project model showing continuous stair circulation connecting museum exhibition terraces