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TheeAe Architects LTD

TheeAe Architects LTD

Quarry Bay, HK | New York, NY

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Gwang Ju Library

Overall, there are 3 major programs; ONE, a restricted area, such as storage, exhibition, office, physical training area; TWO, open area for public, general and periodicals materials, and handicapped, elderly, infants and children reading materials and common reception lobby; THREE, a controlled area, cultural education classroom, club room and multi-purpose room. Therefore, to design most rational and functional space, we begin allocating major programs by stacking each program to associate with the public open space. The architectural form of public space is simply segregated and sandwiched between the restricted area and controlled area. This separation is further allocated into two ways; vertically and horizontally. At the end, we transform them into one inclined/ sloped open space to enhance interior connectivity as well as visual appearance from outside.  

Functionally and visually, public space of the library connects outdoor landscape to lobby & reception area. Visitors experience transitional moments of outdoor and indoor space through various approaches. Furthermore, they will extend their journey from the lobby to the top floor enjoying a great view of nature all around. The views offered from this journey are diverse in many ways based on visitors’ footsteps. Along with it, public seating areas are well prepared for people to read or take a moment to respond their spontaneous needs to explore deeper knowledge from books and nature.

We believe the new city main library is to be more than ordinary. By offering reading materials and space, it will grant public to enjoy dynamic experience through inclined open windows. They are a partition of interior and exterior but it will offer infinite views from in and out of the space for people to meditate and relax to gain knowledge unexpectedly. In this way, we would like to increase library functions in full to offers back its entire structure to the community.

 
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Status: Competition Entry
Location: Gwang Ju, South Korea
Firm Role: Design Architect