Library design proposal for Gwang Ju City main library

Library design proposal for international design competition.

Location : Gwang Ju, South Korea
Title : City Main Library G.J.
Architect : TheeAe LTD.

The city of Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. The city is a transitional zone between the west flatland and east mountainous area. By its locational and regional aspects, the city has gone through many historical events along with the rapid development of the country. As the development has started from late 1900’s until now, the modern architecture has been placed past 30 years. Hence, the urban fabric present is relatively modernistic, as it also embraces a range from small scale to large scale housings; public and private architecture; especially vast natural farmlands and mountains around. Among this context, the new downtown area as a part of the competition is centered on how nature of the city is able to offer a new story on this urban framework.
The architecture of this urban area is well clothed by the mix of modernistic and traditional form of architecture. Pitched and sloped roofs, siding panels, stone finished wall, red bricked façade, painted housing complex wall, etc. Since the new city main library is an institutional structure that is highly valued by the local community, it is a prominent location next to the main spatial landmark, Sangmu Sculpture Park, and Sangmu Citizen Park, and 5.18 Freedom Park. Its location is at the intersection of Cheon Byeun Jwaharo and Sangmu Nuriro. This adds extra importance on the new City Main Library building which will be seen by any passing through the city passengers.
The strong feature of the site is located at the front of Cheon Byeun Juaharo, a wide pedestrian zone defined by Gwangju Creek. This urban feature is the major importance for the composition concept, because it belongs to the pedestrian network that links surrounding building areas and acts as a gathering place for the new downtown of the city of Gwangju and the new library. Therefore, it becomes an opportunity for the new library building to bring this open public square in front, by fostering most of activities, events and exhibitions to communities.