Program Massing

The main ideas I explored were those of a central core and nature. As we discovered when researching Japanese architecture, these are central themes that can be found.

The first scheme focused on a central core, which was the public space. The other areas of program were then organized around it. The idea was to create a tall, public space that could be separated from the other areas of program or opened up to them creating one large space. This would allow the option for either privacy in different areas or the ability to communicate with the rest of the space through the central core.

The second scheme put more of an emphasis on nature. While the first scheme created a very compact building, this one hopes to open up the different areas of program to nature by creating outdoor courtyards on each level. Similarly to the first scheme, the public areas would be located at the center so that they can serve as a connection point between the other areas of program.

The third scheme attempts to create more of a balance between the two themes of a central core and integration of nature. The program is organized into four different towers, which would then be connected with outdoor walkways, forcing the library users to experience nature as they move through the building. The four buildings would also create a courtyard in the center that could be used as a community gathering space and serve as the core of the library.