Design Concept

A ramped circulation around the central courtyard is used to access the library collection and spaces. The building massing is formed to integrate the park space into the central courtyard. The courtyard becomes a peaceful back drop for library users to study, learn, grow, and enjoy. The apple trees in the courtyard and the stainless steel facade panels are an homage to Daegu, known for their delicious apples and beautiful textiles. The linear frit patterns on the glass make a playful reference to the barcodes that are used to scan library items such as books, CDs and DVDs.

Massing

The form of the building was intentionally kept low to respect the height of its residential neighbors. The building rises to three stories on the north-west corner of the library site to take advantage of the views of the park and establish an urban presence on the main road. The second floor was cantilevered to allow the park and main pedestrian traffic from the main streets to flow toward the entrance and courtyard on ground floor.

Screen

The screen is made of perforated stainless steel panels and placed on the exterior second and third levels. They are placed 300mm away from the glass building envelope. These screens act as a second skin, shielding the building from intense solar gain. The panels with highest porosity are placed on the north and east facade to allow a maximum amount of light into the building. The panels with the lowest porosity are placed on the south and west facades. The screens were inspired by a textile design. The images of textiles can be used as a base for computer scripted perforations.

Fritted Glass

The ceramic frit on the glass will operate in a similar manner to the screen. The frit patterns with the highest opacities are placed on the south and west facades while the frit patterns with the lowest opacities are placed on the east and north facades.