“Kanazawa Umimirai Library”: Making a large space by a “punching wall” and thin round pillars

Abstract

Abstract We determined the most important thing for a public library to have is a room that provides visitors with a comfortable space in which to read. For this project, we proposed a simple space measuring 45 × 45 m, with a height of about 12 m, enclosed by a "punching wall" supported by 25 pillars. The overall structure of the library consists of an internal layer of three floors covered with a large box referred to as a "cake box". The reading room is supported by steel braces hidden in the walls, and has about 6000 round windows, and thin round pillars around the room. In addition, an air conditioning system that warms and cools the building was installed under the floor in order to make the space comfortable to inhabit, while large natural ventilation openings in the roof ensure a pleasant indoor environment during the warmer months.

Keywords

• a round window
• large reading space
• library
• punching wall
• steel