Library massing schemes

The first scheme attempted to relate similar spaces in a functional arrangement so that the major categories are grouped together and both their similarities and differences are experienced. The floor level separates the entrance to the library from the community center's, while still relating the two in the same floor. It has easy access to the reception and book return areas. As you move up, the similar program sections converge at a point and expand together when similar, and continue extending past their meeting point where they differentiate. The center of the building creates a space for nature to be incorporated into the design.

The second scheme showed the similarities between different program sections by placing them next to each other and connecting them. In some cases this was direct, while in others it was implied, but still making the connection between them through their placement and direction. The design wraps around the perimeter of the site, creating a central space, which would be utilized as a garden space to incorporate nature into the building, as is done in traditional Japanese architecture.

The final scheme tries to incorporate the idea of “ma” to blur the line between the interior and exterior of the building. The different program spaces are all separated by gaps so that in order move between them, the person must experience the change between being outside to moving inside. The different spaces would be related by being placed in relation to each other. The “in between” space that will be created can be accessed from the exterior of the building without having to enter the library so that a secondary environment is created in relation but separate to the building.