d+a | Issue 120 • 2021

63 Miruru Avenue, a corridor that connects the library to the neighbouring Nasushiobara railway station. Unsurprisingly, Ito reveals that organising the roof and louvred ceiling system was the most challenging part of the project. To overcome this, she turned to 3D technology and models to help with the construction management. The craftsmen employed by the builder too were invaluable in leveraging their skills to construct her architectural vision. Although merely a few months old, the library has already been well-received. The events calendar is filled up and adults and children alike are drawn to it for the books, events and social interaction. “They frequently upload their pictures taken in the library to Instagram. We are very glad to see their responses beyond our expectations,” says Ito. To visit the real forest nearby, or a building inspired by one, the residents of Nasushiobara City are most certainly spoilt for choice now. NASUSHIOBARA CITY LIBRARY LOCATION Nasushiobara, Tochigi, Japan / COMPLETION 2020 / SITE AREA 4,011.49m 2 / BUILDING AREA 3,078.21m 2 / TOTAL FLOOR AREA 4,967.69m 2 / ARCHITECTURE Urban Architecture Office / LEAD ARCHITECT Mari Ito / CONSTRUCTION Ishikawa • Ikoma • Ban Construction Joint Venture / STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Kanebako Structural Engineers / MECHANICAL ENGINEER Chiku Engineering Consultants / ELECTRIC ENGINEER EOSplus / LIGHTING DESIGN Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design / LANDSCAPE DESIGN StudioTerra / FURNITURE DESIGN 848 Design / TEXTILE DESIGN VAN HONGO / VI • SIGN DESIGN Shogo Kishino / 6D / BOOK SELECTION Yoshitaka Haba / BACH / ADVISER Tsuyoshi Ota 05 06 05. Just one of the many pockets of spaces spread throughout the library where members of the community can come in and utilise. / 06. Wending through the middle is Miruru Avenue, a corridor that connects the library to the neighbouring Nasushiobara railway station.