OMOIKANE

The purpose of the project is to represent a suggestion for library of the future. It deals with the collision between traditions of the past and the “new” digital culture of technology. By combining aspects of both – the result is a morphological and functional expression, which holds the spirit of the old ways and the futuristic features of innovation.

The main aim of the “OMOIKANE” project is to present a synthesis between the strong Japanese traditions and the vast technological advancement. It is shaped in the functional terms and spaces of a public library. \nThe research led to a network of points representing iconic objects, areas of the Japanese culture and others symbolic for technological, scientific and digital advancement. The points of interest connected with the site location, along with the characteristics of the site plot, created the main impact directions for the project. \nMorphology is also inspired by the traditional Pagoda structure which always comes with odd number of floors. That along with the traditional stacked zen stones and the typical Japanese lantern structure which has similar expression as the Pagoda, dictated the composing of odd number of volumes placed on top of each other. Traditional Japanese buildings are elevated from the terrain which in this case is represented by the minimized ground floor and a reflecting pool which separates the structure from the surrounding. The diversity of the buildings and facade materials around led to the idea of having the library as a meeting point of all surrounding objects. The volumes of the composition are both closed to the outside and reflecting everything due to the metallic finish of the facade. \nThe library preserves the traditional program for exchange of information, but changes the methods of delivery and presentation. The main structural core of the building works as main book depository as well. That tower is operated by drones which get books delivered to the desired location. Spaces change from loud to quiet from bottom to top in the different floors. Users pass through variety of technologically advanced methods of presentation while reaching the top floor which is preserving the traditional library reading space. Middle floors consist of holographic rooms, virtual reality platforms and augmented reality and AI desks as different options for users to receive information. Natural lighting comes by splitting the facade in the impact directions.