d+a | Issue 120 • 2021

/ LIBRARY / 56 URBAN ARCHITECTURE OFFICE DESIGNS A LIBRARY IN A SMALL JAPANESE CITY THAT TAKES ITS CUE FROM THE SURROUNDING WOODLAND. FOREST OF WORDS WORDS LOW SHI PING / PHOTOGRAPHY DAICI ANO T he human penchant to be near or immersed in nature is a common motivation that directs many pieces of architecture; Nasushiobara City Library in Tochigi, Japan is no different. Conceptualised by Mari Ito, it is inspired by the forest, which she says is an important part of the city’s identity. “When you step into one, you sense the subtle yet constant changes in season, weather, and plant and animal life, absorbing these transformations in multiple, emotionally powerful ways,” says the Founder of the Tokyo-based Urban Architecture Office. “Similarly, constant changes take place in the library, providing places for social interactions, impromptu/plannedmeetings, lectures, gatherings and art exhibitions. “Spending time in the forest-like library inspires people to encounter and learn new things.” This delightful image is translated into a building with an irregularly shaped footprint and full-length glass walls arranged at angles to give a faceted appearance, capped by a polygonal roof system. WOODS AND TREES On the inside, the forest theme unfolds through three design features. The first are the bookshelves that form the framework of the entire building. These double up as dividers and because of their latticework styling, offer occasionally interrupted lines of sight through the space. 02 01