Gwangju Library

Location Gwangju, South Korea
Client International Design Competition
Value N/A
Size N/A
Status Design Completed
Project Type Culture & Tourism

The “Library of Light”, Open Architecture’s entry into an international design competition for a new library and cultural hub in South Korea. The library was designed to be a Korean Cultural Institution part of the new Gwangju cultural precinct, and be a glowing beacon at night and a delicate form by day, to continue the rich building and literary culture of the country and city.

Challenging the historical library typology of solid enclosed walls, Open’s design is four storeys of interwoven community and gathering spaces, unique outdoor rooms, and gardens, wrapped in a transparent, and illuminated cloth-like facade to promote visibility and interaction throughout, as well as be an animated art piece at night, featuring international artworks and lively cultural displays. A central outdoor room, or “Dauchong Maru”, is at the heart of the building welcoming and directing visitors, whilst providing a flexible events space with a beautifully choreographed outlook of the seasonal park beyond.

The undulating roof form was inspired by traditional Korean Architecture and serves as protection from the harsh Korean climates, but also an exciting colour-changing mosaic tile feature, reflecting and representing the change in seasonal colour found in Korean landscapes.