Next Generation Library for South Korea's Smart City, Songdo

In the vicinity of Incheon Port, 56km west of Seoul, is where the Songdo International City is located. The city is only a 15-minute drive away from Incheon Airport, its ideal geographical location makes it a better place for business and trades in Northeast Asia. Songdo International City is known for being a tech-based, intellectual, and eco-city. While the infrastructure of the city is growing mature, the development of more cultural buildings, such as this public library, is expected to be a key indicator to carry out a cultural purpose into the city and hoped to draw closer connections with their living citizens. The Chinese Architecture and Interior Design Firm, aoe has made a creative and sophisticated next generation library proposal as the smart city's new symbol.

The publicity that connects with their local citizens and tourists are important as with its presence as a landmark in a city. Therefore, two key spaces were carved out to create a Reading Hall (towards the south-facing natural view) and a Community Living Hall (towards north facing city/community) for the citizens/visitors to gather and possibly to host events or exhibitions. It is hoped that this new-generation library would bring great reading/learning experiences to the public, and being a local venue for events, gatherings, exhibitions to happen at the same time.

The Living Hall (North facing), which connects the outdoor public space, events, gathering, open lectures are expected to happen in this space, and the usage of the Auditorium, Community Classrooms are all accessible by the public even if the main library area is closed. Photo credit: Ramka Co

The rounded form responds best to its surrounding context, it allows maximum access from different directions, minimized the impact on the neighboring kindergarten, and maximizing the open space for their citizens to gather. Moreover, based on accurate calculations by the designer, the building leans at an angle of 18.5° to the south to avoid direct sunlight in summer, and keep warm in winter, creating a bright, comfortable, and energy-saving space for reading and events. Further sustainable and LEED design strategy helps the building with natural ventilation, low energy consumption, maximum recycled energy, and collections, it is becoming a truly self-sustaining architecture.

The General Reading Hall (South Facing), this cascading space is organized into multiple reading zones to encourage different learning activities for both individual and group users. Photo credit: aoe

A concrete core wall with a cantilever-truss system is used as the structural system. According to calculations by engineers, the reading hall uses only 4 diagonal structural columns for diagonal bracing, so that visitors enjoy the most extensive space for reading and viewing. After careful consideration, charred wood cladding and glass curtain were selected as the main materials for the façade. The combination of these two materials not only brings contrasts to visual appearances. It also adapts to the local context climatically, the charred wood is expected to last for 80 to 100 years, with minimum maintenance needed.

Photo credit: aoe

Site Plan, Photo credit: aoe

The comfortable reading spaces and multi-functional public space will reshape the value of the library as a place so that it serves as the cultural paradise for the citizens, and a cultural landmark where people like to visit. 

Living Hall, Photo credit: aoe