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Translucent Glass Facades and Adaptable Study Areas in a Community Library Renovation

Authors:
Kim Taeho , Sunhyun Kim
Translucent Glass Facades and Adaptable Study Areas in a Community Library Renovation

Project in-detail

Translucent glass facades and flexible study areas redefine user engagement in a university library renovation, promoting collaboration and community interaction within an accessible educational environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent glass facades enhance natural light and visual connectivity with the surrounding campus.
02
Flexible study areas are designed to accommodate diverse learning formats and collaborative activities.
03
The integration of native vegetation supports local biodiversity and enhances the aesthetic environment.
04
Adaptive pathways improve circulation and accessibility, linking the library with nearby facilities.
05
Charred wooden shingles provide a unique texture while enhancing durability and sustainability.
The project focuses on the renovation of a university library located at Daehak-ro in Nam-gu, Ulsan, South Korea. This architectural design aims to redefine the role of the library within the academic and urban context, promoting an open, inclusive, and interactive environment for users. The design aligns with current trends in educational architecture where flexibility and adaptability are essential for accommodating diverse learning styles and community interactions.

The library serves multiple functions—providing a space for study, research, and collaboration among students, faculty, and local residents. The renovation emphasizes connectivity with the surrounding campus and urban landscape while responding to the needs of a diverse user group. Key components of the project include flexible learning areas, designated collaboration zones, and outdoor spaces designed to foster engagement among users.

Innovative Design Approaches

The renovation incorporates several design strategies that set it apart from traditional library architectural projects. Notable features include the extensive use of glass facades that enhance transparency and visual connectivity, bringing the outdoor environment into the library and allowing natural light to permeate interior spaces. This openness breaks down barriers, encouraging passive interaction between users within the library and those outside.

Instead of isolated study areas, the design introduces "clash zones," which serve as meeting points for diverse groups. These spaces promote spontaneous discussions and collaborations and challenge preconceived notions of library spaces as quiet, solitary environments. This shift reflects contemporary understanding of knowledge sharing as an active, communal process.

The project also integrates landscaped green areas that complement the hardscaping, blurring the lines between built and natural environments. The thoughtful incorporation of native vegetation not only enhances aesthetic value but contributes to local biodiversity, making the library a part of the larger ecological system.

Architectural Integration

The architectural design maintains a cohesive dialogue with the existing campus layout while introducing new pathways that facilitate movement and access. These pathways are integral to the overall function of the library, ensuring seamless connectivity with nearby educational and communal facilities.

Materials selected for the renovation, including reinforced concrete, glass, and brick pavers, reflect a commitment to durability and sustainability. These choices enhance structural performance while ensuring that the library remains accessible and inviting to all users.

For those interested in a detailed understanding of the architectural strategies, the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs that detail the various components of this project offer invaluable insights into the design process and intended outcomes. To gain a more comprehensive view of how these architectural ideas manifest within the project, an exploration of the project presentation is encouraged.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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