| Title |
A Study on the Design Character of Void Spaces in Large-Scale Public Libraries |
| DOI |
http://dx.doi.org/10.14774/JKIID.2018.27.6.068 |
| Keywords |
Large-Scale Public Library ; Void Space ; Public Space ; Plaza Style ; Corridor Style ; Theater Style |
| Abstract |
This study aims to analyze the design of void spaces in public libraries today which activates public spaces as they combine with original programs in them. As they are built as the large scaled complexes of cultural and public facilities, public libraries tend to have void spaces which act as central attraction to provide spectacle and symbolic identity to visitors. As case studies, the study analyzes the design characters of these void spaces in five recent built and internationally well-known public libraries, Amsterdam Central Library, Stuttgart City Library, Library of Birmingham, Tianjin Binhai Public Library, and Qatar National Library. The study finds the followings as the results. First, the void spaces are designed in three forms, the plaza style, the corridor style, and the theater style. Although these three forms identify characters of void spaces of the libraries, they tend to merge into one void space as the size of the library becomes big. Second, the void spaces in space composition have the single layout style, the central layout style, and multi-layout style. The single layout style is found in the big sized library, while the central layout style tends to combine with vertical open space in the middle of the library. Third, the void spaces of the libraries have the functions of transition, congregation, and connection. The void spaces tend to be inner plazas and corridors where visitors transfer from public domain to private domain and from dynamic space to static space. The void spaces are also a large single space where visitors find ways as well as meet various book stacks and reading spaces in the libraries as the recent development of the new technology of media and interfaces. The void spaces often shape like theaters with stages in the centers and stepped reading areas in the edges. Public libraries, today, have huge void spaces with bold and strategic design. Thus they build public domain in-side and combine book stacks and reading area in the spaces. This study investigates the typology and the design character of the void spaces in public libraries and suggests new design approaches of the libraries in current speedy technological and social changes. |