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Ch angiing
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by
Kim, Myoungkeun
Bachelor of Engneering in Architecture
Korea University 1995
Submitted to the department of architecture in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
degree of
Master of Architecture
At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
February 2002
@2002 Myoungkeun Kim .All Rights Reserved.
The author hereby grants to M1 permission to reproduce and to distribute publicly paper and
electronic copies of this thesis document in whole or in part.
Signature of Author
Myoungkeun Kim
''
Department of Architedture
January 18, 2002
Certified by
Andrew Scott
Thesis Adviser
Associate Professor of Architecture
Accepted by
Andrew Scott
Associate Professor of Architecture
Chairman, Department Committee on Graduate Students
MASSACHUSETTS
INETITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY
AIP
R I62002
LIBRARIES
[Thesis Readers]
Takehiko Nagakura
Associate Professor of Design and Computation
Luke Yeung
Candidate of Master of Science in Architecture Studies [SMArchS] at MIT
Andrew Falkenstein
Architect, Boston
[
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Submitted to the department of architecture in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of Master of Architecture
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T h e C h a n g i n
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In the area of normal language, there is a ground language that makes
abstract language possible. Likewise, the hypothesis in this project is that
there are two systems of language in architecture. The language that
has been employed in architecture most commonly has been abstract
and undecipherable. It is one-way communication: information flows
from architects to architecture, but not to users. However, if the notion
of language is considered as a communicative tool, likewise architectural languages should embody two-way communication. But because
in architecture there is no verbal equivalent of a ground language that
makes abstract meaning possible, the language of my project must be
visual and intuitive.
I believe this direct visual language is the ground language in architecture. By visualizing the mechanisms of architecture, users would know
what architecture is saying and might have opportunities to talk about
it and actively participate in it. In this research, the mechanism of architecture to be communicated is the event taking place within the library
itself: namely, it's own transition from the real to the virtual.
A series of diagrams were generated at the beginning of project to
understand library programs ever-changing along the development of
technology. The overall process of this project consists of dominant two
stages. The first stage is about hardware of building: structure, and the
second stage is about software: SpaceModulator. At the fist stage, several building configurations were examined to maximize the impact of
the visualization. The idea of flexibility was introduced to respond to the
current issue of the library's "changing medium". At the second stage,
SpatialModulators that control the overall architectural quality were generated. These include furniture and adjustable walls. These discreet
objects are meant to reflect the over-arching ideas of the thesis: that is,
to illustrate the inner condition of the library and describe the events in
the "urban book shelf".
[Thesis Adviser]
Thesis Adviser: Andrew Scott
Title: Associate Professor of Architecture
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All images are generated by author unless otherwise noted.
[ C o n t e n I S ]
Abstract
03
Introduction
Architectural language for architecture
Vanna Venturi House vs. Sydney Opera House
Medium change in Library
Interview with Mr. Bernard Margoils
The history of information technology
Requirement to be an architectural Language
Language and Public Project
Content of communication
06
Programs
Dual condition-necessity of hybrid system
Physical shelf vs. Virtual self
Flexibility
The Role of Library
Programs
18
Site
Site introduction
Site Analysis
Site Scenery
22
Program Analysis
Program Requirements
Interchangeable Relationship
28
Block Configuration
Size of buliding
The idea of folding-in
2-Bar System
Hybrid System
33
Space Modulator
Device vs. Space
Information in Library with scenario
Details of SpaceModulator
References for Space Modulator Design
Self Transparency Controllable Wall
42
Envelope
Envelope
Transparency and Visualization
55
Plans And Sections
screening a possible layout of program
Sections and Plans
64
contents
i nitrod LIC tion[
/ was very attracted by Shinohara's idea of abstract space. But I was soon very unsatisfied with
the self-contained and self-referential nature of this abstract space, which was to complete in
itself and lacking in communication.
Out of the dialogue with Toyo Ito in
Shaking the foundation-Japanese Architects in Dialogue, Prestel, 1999
[Architectural language for architecture]
The myth of the individualistic, non-communicable architecture needs to be
resisted, not in order to deny the existence of individuality, but to insist that this
is only established by its relationship with the social background.
There has been a barrier between architecture itself and users in terms of language in architecture. In the language of architecture, mostly one-way communication has been occurred. Architecture has a certain way to organize itself by
its intrinsic properties, for instance, construction method, climate, style, culture,
and so on. The language employed for these reasoning is apparently not communicable to public. In public project, architectural language should be a way
to communicate. The research in thesis will be dominantly exploring the architectural languages to communicate with users by exposing mechanism of the
intrinsic properties in architecture.
4?bl
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introd u ctio n
[Fig 01 a Vanna Venturi House]
[Vanna Venturi House vs. Sydney Opera House]
If it is possible for users to see a device and understand its mechanism, users
might be able to modify it or even fix it in the case it is broken. Likewise, if users
can understand the mechanism of a project, it would possible to have users
involved to the project.
Robert Venturi is using abstract language at his Vanna Venturi House, while
Jorn Utzon is using visual language reminding of the shape of water suface.
The abstract language would be able to remind of something but, it wouldn't
be able to be consistent, since, in this case, the understanding of building and
experience would inevitably remain in personal area. I propose here it would be
desirable that the visual language should be employed more than abstract to
give public chances to understand consistent issue of project, and be involved
in public project.
The existence of 'idea'can be proven only upon performance of communication.
It is therefore my wish to discover among the numerous media available that
medium which best lends itself to effective communication, even though it may
be an unstable and unorganized medium. I think that designing architecture is
one ofjust such media: it is a professional means of communication.
Contemporary Architects, Arata Isozaki, Kagoshima Press, Japan 1977
i ntro d u c t ion
[Medium change in Library]
What is the most important source for making-decision on public building design? It must be made
based on user's understanding. To try out this idea
of making "understandable, communicable visual language", library program was chosen and the fact of
ever-changing media in library was examined as the
content of architectural language.
introduction
[Interview with Mr. Bernard Margoils the Principal of Boston Public Library]
September 14, 2001
Myoungkeun Kim: Is there any plan for the physical remodeling of the Boston Public library
that addresses the shift from print to digital materials? If so, can you tell me the programmatic
elements being considered- i.e.: exhibition, performance?
They will include more
exhibition space, meeting rooms, instruction
room, and obviously,
much more in the way of
deployment of Internet
and other kinds of technology resources than
before.
Bernard Margoils: There is master plan containing programmatic elements that
already existed and new programs influenced by technology. They will include
more exhibition space, meeting rooms, instruction room, and obviously, much
more in the way of deployment of Internet and other kinds of technology resources
than before. Also, other element such as children section, young adult section,
microfilm, and periodical area will be treated in traditional way.
M:Does the capability of the current network system need to be greatly expanded? If so, by
what criterion do you determine the infrastructure or equipment that should be expanded?
B:Rewiring and Recabling will be needed. Expanding capacity of T1, T3, and backbone demands growing. Currently 18 millions of people hit web site of Boston
Public library. It will continue to grow. Also, it is part of broadening audience from
everywhere in the world.
M: How is the current Mediatheque in Sendai, Japan (www.smt.city.sendai.jp) different from
the library being planned here?
B: We have been doing media performance, and lecture. We didn't do high-end
technological things, because financial resources limit us.
M: In Will Manley's interview of an architect, the architect's view was that the millennium-three
library had no books at all. If this is true, then what will become of the printed word? If they
should be preserved somehow, what is an effective way of doing so?
B: Old thing become more important because they are contrasting. For children,
they need balanced way with original format and digital format. Also, most of children books cannot be replicated in digital form. It is better to integrate technology
and old material.
M: What would be the reason for people to go to the library if digital material is also available
through their own PC? Will the differences be in hardware, software, networks, or what?
B:Librarian saves original newspapers because, we do not know how long the
technology, microfilm, can last. Also, missing information such as advertisement is
precious data to research on culture of the moment. E-book will reduce cost, but
market doesn't force in that way.
M:What are the current efforts that are being made to accommodate the current situation?
What obstacles do you face.
B: We just begun to archive digital material, because if we don't, no one else would
do it.
M: Isthe library is still necessary for the future? If so, why?
B: I don't believe there would not be any book. If there is the only place that have
book that will be the library. There is no reason that book will be disappear in real in
original form. But, certain kind of book will disappear. The directory of informationreference-which needs accuracy of information will disappear. Also, smaller library
will busy fewer books in certain area.
In the science department, the digitalizing is happening since it needs a lot of
references. In music and photographic department, it is happening in the same
manner.
Technologies become very important. Currently, we cannot accommodate all the
people who want to access the Internet. Free Internet is not the main function of
library. But, this is a social function of library. Library will be more specialized in
terms of book collections being focused on recreation or children. Library will be
around for long time. Library is retreat or refuge from technology.
Old thing become more
important because they are
contrasting. For children,
they need balanced way with
original format and digital
format.
[The history of information technology]
Godfrey Thompson describes the history of technologies that have been adopted to library
system in his book "Planning and design of library buildings". Texts below are exerpted and
shorten from his original.
Space-saving technology
The first revolutionary arrival was miniaturization in the form of the microfilm. It
was introdeced by Freemont Rider, from 1936 onwards as the way to solve the
overcrowding problems caused by continuing growth of number of books. However,
this microfilm never did replace the book. Although it had space-saving advantages
particularly in the storage of long, logical sequences such as runs ofjournals and
newspapers the impact of microfilm was less than had been expected. Forms convenient for special purposes arrived - microfiche, micro card, microprint, ultra fiche
etc. Ultra fiche carried miniaturization further and put the complete Bible onto a
single 53mm square film. The service weakness of all microforms was that the
equipemnt to read films is not handy.
Information reproduction and transfer
The simple photocopying machine, once an office convenience, has become one
of the most important elements of the service. Its use to produce a substitute for
the original printed text, not only of journal and newspaper articles but also for
whole textbooks in those libraries which are unable to buy mutiple copies of mostneeded works, has made it of prime importance.
Other machines were brought in to relieve the tedium and cost of the record-keeping necessary in increasingly busy libraries. The tape typewriter was certainly
a step in the right direction. Advances in general office technique were adopted
and adapted: telex and fax are examples of machines which were of limited
application at first but where technology improvements eventually made them of
great value. The automation of circulation records was attempted by photo charging methods, by punched-card systems and sometimes by a combination of the
tow
Information management
The possibility of putting information in a minute form into a database and retrieving it at will led to the development of the computerized catalogue where bibliographical information could be recorded so that both staff and readers could obtain
access to it.
[Microfilm reader]
introduction
Access of the catalogue could now be obtained from any number of points in the
building through small-screen terminals, VDU (visual display units).
An on-line catalogue for reader use was first introduced in 1967 by the Medical
Research Library, State University of New York, and in the same year OCLC, the
first major regional center, was founded; it began with batch mode cataloguing but
went on-line in 1971. By 1985 it was serving nearly 3000 libraries, and it now has
bibliographical database containing over 16 million records, 2 million of them in onbook form, in more than 300 languages.
An integrated system (including acquisitions, serial control and cataloguing)
began to be set up by the University of Chicago in 1966, and the New England
Library and Information Network stated a cataloguing system in the same year.
Circulation control systems were introduced in1969. Computer typesetting was
used to produce the INSPEC journals by 1969 and the British National Bibliography from 1971. In 1972 UNESCO published ISDS (International Serials Data
System) for commonplace in many different fields, sometimes overlapping, sometimes abandoned.
More recent technological advances include the laser read compact disc, produced for the home market but which proved to have great potential for information storage; by the late 1980 runs of journals were made available from existing
database producers on these small inert disc, the library profession's own LISA
(Library and Information Science Abstracts) being one of the first."
[Terminal Unit in library]
Technologies have been developed for other field and adapted to library system. Although
some technologies are failed to be adapted, it is obvious that the information technology
will be largely affecting on the library system. changing the way how media in library is organized.
n
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[Requirement to be an architectural language]
What if the meaning that architect intended to express through the language is not understood by any one other that the architect? The meaning would not have any meaning. Language has a certain hierarch that
discern between ground words, which is very direct and abstract words,
which need ground words to be understood. The language being covered
in this research will be direct, visual, and ground language area. Since
there is no such language that established to be understood by public in
architecture, it is impossible to use abstract meanings to communicate
with users. The meanings and the method to express through the building
have hierarch generated depend on the level of possibility of being understood by publics. The example to try to communicate using more direct
and simple language can by found at Visions of Japan exhibition at the
V&A Museum in London. Toyo Ito is, in this project, expressing visualized
story of Tokyo rather than trying to express the complicated meaning of
city, Tokyo. The language employed in architecture, thus, has to be simple
and clear as to be understood.
in t r dI u c t i n1
[Language and public project]
During making decision, some are based on objective fact, while some are
not. The part that cannot be objective reason usually is based on individual
preference. I do not mean that decision-makings based on individual preference or experience is wrong, but it is desirable to develop communicable
part if it is public project.
How does library building express
this dualism? Is it should be
hybrid building? Or, should it be
homogeneous building like Miesian Universal space to allow flexibility?
This reasoning will be mainly for public project. Since most element
employed at private building seem to be fully discussed at design stage.
Coincidentally, the meaning of architectural element in private building will
mutate into other meanings through users everyday life and their memories. Moreover, it is not necessary to design communicable part in pri- September 21th, 2001
vate building, while communicable part will act as significant piece guiding
users in public building, who are not familiar with the systems.
In this study, the program of the building will be library that involves anonymous users who mainly do not have knowledge about architecture or inner
mechanism of library. Since this project is about experimenting how users
can understand architecture or the mechanism of library by architectural
components, the situation where users already have knowledge about this
area is not the case here.
[Content of communication]
The way that how a library meet to the need to contain its ever-changing contents is the main structure of the project that should be exposed
and visualized for two-way communication.
As a medium for the display of information, the printed page is superb. When
printed pages are bound together to make books or journals, many of the display features of the individual pages are diminished or destroyed. Books are
bulky and heavy.
Libraries of the Future, J.C.R. Licklider, The MIT Press, 1965
Digital medium suggest technically better way to searching information
in a certain time. There have been many ideas that will enhance the
function of researching such as hypertext. Also, current media technology has largely contributed to achieve easier and more effective way
in education area by visual and audio devices. For instance, the real
time questioning on-line is available at library through PCs-MIT libraries. Thus, as the information technology advances, several issues on
library are generated. If all the old materials are converted to digital
forms and it is accessible on networks, why do we need library? If
library is still needed, how do technological aspects impacts on current
library condition?
What does the future hold for your library? Will Manley introduce the view of
an architect he interviewed about a library-building project. It turned out that
the architect's view of the "millennium three library" had no books at all. How
library achieve its role of holding information in this tendency?
Countdown to a new library-managing the building project, Jeannette Woodward, American Library Association, 2000
nd rod LiCtion
Both library standards and system concepts are changing. Several technological breakthroughs in the 1970s, and the possibility of a national library network
in the 1980s based on the new technology, make earlier systems concepts
and methods of determining standards questionable. Computerized cataloguing, circulation control, and cooperative acquisitions coupled with telephone
lines make it possible for regional and statewide library groupings to be created
without a unified administration or geographic proximity. This opens the possibility of basing local library building programs on community needs only
Libraries Designed for Users
A planning hand book, Nolan Lushington, Willis N. Mills Jr. AlA, Gaylord Professional
Publications, 1979.
In current situation, program type called "Mediatheque" can be an
extreme case of library as "a house for information". The program element has been selected by comparison two programs between two
building types: library and mediatheque. The initial programs for this
project were set up based on the current library program and added
other programs from Mediatheque. Also, the size of library program will
be modified based on the Mediatheque.
Mediatheque Programs
1.Exhibitions: film screenings and workshops related to art, films, and media
are arranged.
2. Galleries
3. Studio: studio can be used as a space for giving workshops (reservation is
required), as well as production of homepages and graphic designs.
4.Cinema
5. Meeting room: a table and chairs are arranged in a circle. Foods and bever
ages are allowed.
6. Recording room: rooms are provided with equipment, which enables the
user to make recording for the visually disabled, as well as
PCs for sound recording, editing, and producing music CD.
7. Quiet room: this is a room for rest for the disabled, the elderly, and people
who feel sick.
introduction
program
program
[Dual condition-necessity of hybrid system]
There are several reasons that libraries will still continue to do their traditional role. The current media-book, newspaper, magazine-will be likely to
be cherished by people who are not familiar with at least for the next ten
years. The library is not only a place where users get proper information,
but users spend their thinking, meditating as well. Especially for children,
it is still important to give them physical information firmly grounded to real
world. As Bernard Margoils, the President of Boston Public Library mentions in his interview, the old media will continue to exist even as a place
for books to be exhibited. Apparently, there will be two conditions will exist.
One is library system which has been existing-which will be called "physical shelve" in this project, the other is "virtual shelve". At the same time,
flexible part and non-flexible part will be coordinated.
[Physical shelve vs. Virtual shelve
The virtual shelve is the place where users can search digital materials,
and search on existing materials as before. Invirtual self, the staffs do not
have to be there, since users can be helped on-line. The virtual shelve
will have permeable borderline for several reasons. It would be expanded
into the physical shelve and it is the space for relatively quick search and
recharging the contents of e-books or PDA or possible mobile devices.
Also, it is a "communicable part" towards outside. Physical shelve is the
space to serve the traditional role of library. The notions of virtual and
physical shelve does means not only spaces for media storage, but also
for support facilities, and other necessary part for each shelve.
Certainly, one of the most important reasons for renovating an older facility is
to accommodate a sophisticated electrical and data infrastructure. The modern
library will require a data-networking environment facilitating Internet access and
even an asynchronous transfer mode network for increased bandwidth demands.
Countdown to a new library-managing the building project, Jeannette Woodward, American
Library Association, 2000
[Flexibility]
Flexibility is needed to respond to the situation where the amount of book
and other information retrieval equitment changes. Non-flexible part that
will continue to exist al long as library exists, and it is required to support
flexible part.
According to "Contemporary World Architecture", all buildings concerned
with acquiring knowledge must reconcile two contradictory functions: the
need to combine open, communal areas for collective learning, discussion and recreation, with small spaces for concentrated study. In this
project, most of support system and small spaces for concentrated study
were considered as fixed parts. For the support system, by considering the
storage space as a resovoir for high technology equipment depends on
what library needs, the need of expansion in future will be satisfied without
any physical expansion. This interchangeable relationship was applied
to other parts, either.
program
[Programs]
Dominique Perrault mentions the role of library as below.
In France during the 1980s, the multi-media library became a twon and a
neighbourhood hob. Today, it is mutating into a communal, shared space,
a potential root for public space
[Alstone Library:
Courtyard]
Library is more than a place where users get information. Library might
be a place that promotes social interaction. Also, users might want space
in which they can think, rest, play and, talk. It is more possibly that people
encounter community library as a part of their urban experience.
Mainly considering programs for users, the essential pieces are virtual
shelve for digital searching, physical shelve, reading area, and meditation area for thinking and meditation.
infrastructure '
Overall configuration of 6 elements
p rog r a m
MeditationArea
How to design the virtual shelve so that it can expand its physical area was important part of this research. Also, another
requirement of configuration between virtual shelve and physical shelve is that those two programs should be tightly connected for several reasons.
Jean-Francois describes, in his article" the customer is always
right?" inTechniques &Architecture, that professionals are considering grouping items together according to subject, regardless of the type of medium. Both physical shelve and digital
shelve are the place where the same activity, researching, is
occurring. The reading area isacting as buffering zone between
researching area and meditating area.
program
p
___
_______
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[Fig 03a Location of Site in Cambrige]
[Fig 03b Location of Site in Cambrige]
[Site introduction]
Even though one of the requirements to be a library is silence, if it is not easy to access during
users daytime schedule, constructing library could mean just wasting resources. At the same
time, supply of information that is the main role of library should be fast and easy to access
like other urban element such as shopping center, theater, restaurants, and so on.
The site is on Prospect Street on which the general urban condition can be found such as grocery store, small restaurant, busy streets, walking people and cars, adjacent residential area,
office building and so on.
si1te-
[Fig 04a SanbornMap]
Site Area 12,157 sq. ft
[Fig 04b Busy Traffic Area]
Thickness of dot line equals to
the amount of traffics
Site
OrIlp
[Fig 04c Urban Facilities in
Walking Distance and Movements of People]
Government building
Commercial Facility
Religious Building
Parking Lot
Site
[Site Scenery]
The site on the other side of the
same block was once chosen
as a candidate for Cambridge
Public Library Site. For the meanwhile , the site on these photos
is currently a parking lot, and
located between contrasting two
areas, hectic commercial area
and residential area.
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How is this diagramatic condition
able to to be reflected to physical
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[Program Requirements]
Each library program has its particular
condition. And, each library program is
needed to be changed as the medium
changes. Given this circumstance, the
feasibility of flexibility had to be studied.
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What is the detail of each program? After
this research, it was found that each
program shares many common aspects.
Does this mean feasibility of flexible space
in library? The result of this exploration
was utilized to set up overall building configuration, such as what to be remained
as fixed part, and the location of green
space. Also, this result was used to
screen each condition by different scenarios.
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[Interchangeable Relationship]
As mentioned earlier, how to respond to the need of flexibility was one
of the most important issues. By setting up interchangeable relations
between related program elements, it would be possible to accomodate
changes such as the increasement of books without physical expansion of
buliding.
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B oL kCo rf Icgu rat io n
[Size of buliding]
18' X 7steps = 126'
126'X 2sides = 252'
7volumes / 1 linear foot
252'X 7volume / I foot =
1764 volumes / two-sided book shelve
50,000 volumes / 1764 volumes / two-sided book shelve
= 28.3 two-sided
to accommodate 29.3 book stacks
28.3 X 6'= 170' long X 24' wide space is needed
If there is 5% growth per year for the next 20 years,
Another 170'long strip will be needed.
4 Bays of book shelve on 24'-0" width slab
[on left side]
The first 170'-0" strip is to accomodate 50000 books which is an average
number of book of Boston public library. And, another 170'-0" is given for
the next 20 years considering 5% increase each year. And digital shelve
will occupay this strip at the beginning condition.
[on right side]
BlockConf ig uration
[The idea of folding-in]
At the beginning, the idea of overall building configuration was simply folding the 340'-O"long feet strip into the site since the size of site was approximately 165'-O" X 75'-0". Below are several alternatives out of this process.
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1IM41I9-17.xi
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[24'-0" width slab]
To find the best compromised for
both digital and physical shelve,
and still the narowest slab width,
the actual sizes
were studied.
of programs
[Block study in urban scale]
B o c k C o n f I g Ur a t io n
[2-Bar System]
Is the Folding-In stratege really maximizing the visualization? If there are two
pararel bars interacting each other, it would be more effective to maximize the
visualization, generating more dynamic and fluid relation. Inthe model view on
next page, the black boxes protruded through transparent box shows the area
where they can interact. Also, this configuration provides diverse level of building experience by opening insides of two strips towards urban.
[2-Bar system: one transparent, the other opaquej
. -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
---
I
BlockConfiguration
[2-Bar system: concept model]
BlockConfiguration
Transparent vs. opaque. This
very old notion is still very powerful since it allows diverse
exrerience of building. The
black and opaque box makes
long journey in the building
worth since contents in this
box is hidden, while transparent box explains itself even
from outside.
[on left page]
2-Bar on site
[on right page]
[2 Bars on site]
BlockConfig u ration
[Hybrid System]
Universal space was needed to accomodate flexibility. However, dividing
a building into clear two bar with completely different properties did not
seem to be desiralbe for the situation where the Flexibility is needed since
it is completely against the universal idea. Thus, those two bars were
needed to be re-divided so that each bar has different properties-transparent and opaque, fixed and fluid-in it. As the result, two equivalant hybrid
bars were created.
B loc kC n f ig u ration
What would remain unchanged? Although media change, the space
for thinking, reading would be still required. In this process, this
space is defined as fixed part, and this part was located considering the relationship with green space.
Blo c k C o nfi g u r a t io
-SPAEMDUAO
SpaceModU Iator
[Space Modulators for Physical Shelve]
[Device vs. Space]
Designing device and designing architecture is different in a sense that architecture itself ishardly consumed in physical way while small device can be consumed.
Public project should last as far as it can for a community. And for such a long time
it should not only embrace all human activities, but all functions on the needs as
well. Universal space is one of ideas generated to respond to all changes in future.
The "Long-strip" proposal is library version of Universal space idea. This is about
space itself since this doesn't provide any further idea about exact technologies or
devices that will be utilized in that space. It will be good enough if this space can
be flexible to respond all changes in technologies and special need upon those
changes.
Space Modulator
[Space Modulators for Digital shelve]
[Information in Library with scenario]
The content would encounter to the need of change to an extent along the
change of media in library. Since, contrast to paper books, it is possible
to record visual and audio information in new media, more dynamic information can be involved. For instance, users might be able to record themselves and edit images using devices in library and the recorded image
can be stored as personal information in library server. The display devices
in library would work collectively. The collective devices would widen the
boundary of the way to reproducing and, thus, the contents of information.
Given this circumstence, several scenarios were develped, and SpaceModulators were created based on this scenarios.
S paceMo d ula tor
Scenario for space-Modulator and Space organization
1. Group of High School Students
Main concern - Digital technologies
Data collection for assignment
Entertainment - music, movie
Having meeting place (5-15)
Registration using terminal - customize the interface
Visit Music Section
Visit Movie Section - DVD ROM and Video section
Use Video Gallery with friends
Terminal - email checking
music chart check
search on intranet - the internet search engine incorporate with
intranet(intranet search system might cover internet)
School Assignmentwalking around DVD-ROM section looking for material about
census, old newspapers, old magazine
Group Study at meeting place - at some point one student search key word
using intranet
connect library terminal with computer at school to transfer file
print out the assignment sheet
Visit Exhibition Place
prepare Exhibition place for their own works - asking a question
through intranet chatting window
One student introduces a relevant web site to other students at Projection Room
One student in Archive issharing data with another student in DVD-ROM Area
One student get sleep at quiet room - the movable LCD panel doesn't get any
information anymore in this area
One found novel "Harry Potter" in archive area and asked the other student in
Digital shelve area if he/she see "Harry Potter" in Movie version. He/She wants to
know which version isoriginal and how it was converted to one to another.
Space Mod LI a to r
Children's Space-Modulator
2. Children
Main concern - learning(controlled by parents)
play
Parents might want to know about how other parents do for their children's
education
Children can make friends through other library network
Registration using terminal by parents and
Customize the interface(interactive panels) - this is mainly oriented to connect
children and parents to children section in other library
Looking for story book
Looking for education Material with Parents - by walking around book shelve or
using terminal or interactive panel
3. Young adults
Main concern - brief email checking
small meeting place
reading book
download material to their PDA
Checking Email - by connecting their PDA interface(which already customized)
Download music videos to their PDA.
Walking around Movie Section
Watch movie - in studio (library terminal provide better interface to organize
information they have in PDA) using screen panel and
headphone
On the way home one drop by Periodical Section drinking coffee
Drink coffee - watching community news provided by regional newspapers
Visit Exhibition place
One wants know about the place he/she planned to go over this weekend in detail
because he/she couldn't get enough information about the place from internet
last night
One visit library to search about his field.
One visit library to see old magazine he/she wants to see because those weren't
available on internet or he/she had to pay for it
One visit library just to read suspend novel and like to enjoy laying himself on
sunlight green grass and getting sun.
One visit library and get LCD panel and log in. He/She pulled out the page that
he/she was reading last time and started to read at roof garden.
One visit library to see recorded Blue Men performance in DVD format that was
held in Boston downtown in 2001 summer
Attending small lecture
Space Modu lator
4.Older
Main Concern - local politics
Learning
Exchanging idea with people
Reading Book
Face to face interaction
One might need online tutoring. But he/she can have helper helping in real time
through windows that connects he/she to the helper
One might want to ask How to use Internet, How to use library research system, if
he/she can see helper face to face.
Looking for help through intranet
One realized that reading newspaper though screen and hypertext system is
easier
-Watching old newspaper using touch pad screen (42 inch Plasma screen)
Looking for guide for weekend - performance, trip
How to store individual information from such as camcorder
Periodical Section
Attending small lecture - hobbies, current issues, education
Visit Exhibition place
Using Language Material at Studio
[Green Space + Children Section]
rasmC
SpaceMod L la tor
Magazine Desk
WXDXH: 5'-0 X2'-2" X2-9"
Book Shelve
X2-0" XT-6
WXDXH: 18'-0"
Announcer
TouchScreen
WX DX H:21"X15"X 5'-0"
Magazine Shelve
WXDX H: 8-0 X 2-0' X T-6"
SpaceModulator
Quiet Chair
WXDXH: 2'-0" X6'-0 X2-4"
I
DigitalChir
UnitDesk
Terminal
WXDX :1'-6" X1-6"X2'-11 WXDXH: 2'-6 X3'-2" X3-0"
Physical Chair
WXDXH:1-6" X1-6"X 2-11"
[Collections of digital SpaceModulators]
Children's Deskchair
WXDXH: 10-0 X10'-0"
X3-4
[Collections of physical SpaceModulators]
F0
BookShelve
Digital
WX DX H: 3-0"X 7'-6" X 3'-"
Reaxsing Chair
WXDXH:1'-9""X2'-5"X2'-5"
Chair
SocicChair
Desk Relaxing
Chair
Relaxing
Q
Relaxing Chair Desk
WXDXH:1'-6"X1'4"X9"
(\)
Socio Chair
WXDXH: 4'-0" X7'-6"X 9"
I7 1TFWI
~1
Reader's Desk
WXDXH: 3-O"X '-"X 3-0"
SOCIO
Desk
WXDXH: 6'.0"X 5'5"X 3'-""
[Program changes on 24' width Slab]
S pace Mod ulator
Magazine Shelve
WXDX H: 8-" X2-O X7'-6"
'A"1'1
Relaxing Chair
WXDXH: 1-9 X2-5" X2'-5
Relaxing Chair Desk
Self Transparency Controllable Wall
WXDXH: 1-6" X 1-6" X9"
Physical Chair
WXDXH:1'-6"X1'-6"X2-11
Reader's Desk
WXDXH:3-O" X8'- X 3'-0"
Magazine Desk
WXDXH:5'-0 X2'-2" X2-9"
Children's Deskchair
WX DX H:10-"X 10'-0**X3-4"
Book Shelve
WXDXH: 18-0"X2-0" X7-6"
SpaceModulator
NOW
Quiet
Chair
WXDXH: 20" X60" X2'-4
Socio Chair
WX DX H: 440 X 7-6" X9"
Socio Desk
Digital
Chair
Digita
X DXH : 640" X5'.5"! X3.0""
ChairW
WXDXH:1'-6 X1'6"X211"
Announcer
Screen
Touch
WXDXH: 21"X 15"X50"
UnitDesk
Terminal
WXDXH: 26"X3-2" X30"
Digital Book Shelve
WXDXH:3-0" X7'-6" X3-0"
[References for Space Modulator Design from Designing and Space Planning for Libraries]
In any library, research shows that rarely will more than two people sit on a three-seater library lounge, unless the
people know each other. Strangers will sit as far apart from each other as possible. This indicates that, as far as adult
libraries are concerned, small tables in the reading rooms and club chairs in the lounge often work best, although all
large tables or big couches should not be eliminated.
Research shows that rectangular tables seem better for work and concentration, while circular tables are best for conversation. On a rectangular table a person can clearly mark his or her territory. An exception may be the interior design
of elementary school libraries. There, a good mixture of circular and rectangular tables in the workspaces may be the
best choice because children like to work together and because researchers such as Sommer found that children like
to set side by side when conversing.
People who go to the library for a particular study purpose often want to be left alone.
Designing and Space Planning for Libraries: A behavioral Guide, Aaron Cohen, R.R. Bowker Co., New York, 1979
As Aaron mentions above, the shape of tables were decided depends on its function. SocioChair was
designed so that the shape itself can promote interaction between users rather than designing long couch.
SocioDesk was designed to have adaptability. Itcould serve more than 10 persons by attatching two bigger
tables, while the smaller table alone would be proper size for 2-3 persons in small meeting. For the Children's DeskChair, it was designed so that it could be desk, chair, or paly ground, since children behavior in
different way from adults do. Although it is not likely to happen that one program-either, digital or physicalsqueeze another program out, if digital program does it, physical interaction between user and user or
between user and library material would be more valuable. For the reason, SocioChair and QuietChair were
included to digital program side.
SpaceModulator
[profile of STC-Wall]
huh
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[Self Transparency Controllable Wall 3D
simulation with chair behind]
SpaceModulator
M
M
[STC Wall with SpaceModulator in Semenar Mode ]
[Self Transparency Controllable Wall]
As the wall expand, the transparency of this wall increases, since the thickness becomes thinner. Thus, the space for an individual which usually
requires more privacy gets relatively more opaqueness.
This wall type consists of total 3 types of PVC extrusions-End part to be
attached to Column, typical part, another end part as door. As the consquence, if library need more walls, walls would be easily produced by
manufacturer.
The design of this wall aimed on user's tacit knowledge which is knowledge
that users get by thier intuition, and perception only: All walls are attached
to columns where wall is needed. Everything users need to do isjust pulling
out an end of this wall to the extent how much space they need and they
would get space as much as they wat, and trasparency will be adjusted.
SpaceModulator
[Integration : View from Coffee Shop to Periodical Section at First Floor]
Space Modulators are Here Space Creator
SpacelModulator
Enelope]
En velope
[Envelope]
s a part of visualization, structure system-slab + column-is treated as a
huge book shelve in urban scale. Structure was designed as simply as possible so that it reminds of the steps of book shelve. To emphasize this idea,
envelop was simply developed as "big glass box" that contains structure.
The whole building was treated as urban shelve in a glass box.
Env e op e
[Mass Model : Envelop + Structure volume + Urban]
Envelope
...
.....
......................
In reality, envelop cannot be a simply glass box [as
above] due to the solar energy gains, and to protect
books in shelve. Accordingly, the transparency would
decrease, and sunshade device was needed for roof
side, and on south facing facade.
E n v el op e
Ufl
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......
......
..
[Sun-shade devide for roof side]
[Transparency and Visualization]
Facade would have more than 50% opacity to protect books
inside and break sun light. To get more transparency, slabs are
recessed towards inside so that upper slabs can cast shadows
onto lowere slabs.
Envelope
Envelope
[South and East Facade]
E nve lope
[Facade Study using digital model]
Plans And Sect io n s
p a nsAnd Sections
[1]Eu
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As on section, all slabs facing south
were slanted so that upper slab can
cast shadow onto lowere slab and so
on. This allows building has no heavy
shade device on exterior. Although,
exterior still has to have opacity in a
certain level, this slab shape would
strengthen the idea of "book shelve in
a glass box in urban scale". As the
consquence, building would be open
towards urban...
[Sections]
pl a nsAnd Section s
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[Interior view when the digital shelve is dominant]
5
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[Section Diagram]
plansAnd Sections
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plansAnd Sectio n s
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[1st Floor Plan]
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[2nd Floor Plan]
p an sA nd Sectioans
B2
B1
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B5
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[Bridge detail]
[3rd Floor Plan]
plansAnd Sections
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[North Facade]
[4th Floor Plan]
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plan sAnd Sections
[Bibliography]
Libraries of the Future, The MIT Press, 1965, J.C.R. Licklider
Countdown to a new library-managing the building project, American
Library Association, 2000, Jeannette Woodward
Library Buildings-Planning and DesignButterworth Architecture, Third
Edition, 1989, Godfrey Thompson,
Bibliotheque nationale de France 1989-1995, Dominique Perrault
Shaking the Foundations: Japanese Architects in Dialogue, Pretel, 1999,
Ed. Christopher Knabe and Joerg Rainer Noemming
Designing and Space Planning for Libraries: A behavioral Guide, R.R.
Bowker Co., New York, 1979, Aaron Cohen
Libraries Designed for Users: A planning hand book, Gaylord Professional Publications, 1979, Nolan Lushington, Willis N. Mills Jr. AIA
Techniques & Architecture no. 454, 2001 June/July, p.22-83. Mediatheques [Multi-media libraries], Article by Jean-Francois Pousse and
others
http://www.terraserver.com
http://www.greatbuildings.com
http://www.spl.org
http://www.bpl.org
http://www.smt.city.sendai.jp
[Image Credits]
All illustructions and photographs are by author unless otherwise noted.
Fig 01
www.geatbuilding.com
Fig 02
http://www.smt.city.sendai.jp
Fig 03a, 04a
Sanborn Map CAMBRIDGE, MASS. Vol. 1, 1996
Fig 03b, 04b, 04c, 05
http://www.terraserver.com
[Acknowledgment]
I deeply appreciate my parents' endless support and patience, and
Professor Andrew Scott's never compromising "why" questions, leading
me, and encouraging me to go further.