Nakanishi Gakuen Educational Corporation
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies/Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences Central Library
| address | Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture |
|---|---|
| Completion date | April 2021 |
| scale | 1st and 2nd floors 1,400㎡ |
| Main construction details |
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- The above information is at the time of completion.
A space where digital and analogue come together.
A library that encourages free thinking and independent learning with the theme "You're sure to find something."
The Central Library, located on the Nisshin campus of Nagoya University of Foreign Studies and Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences, has not only been used by students as a place of learning, but also by local residents as a place for lifelong learning in Nisshin City.
The first and second floors were completely renovated when the campus's Multimedia Learning Center was relocated to the Central Library, and the facility began operation in April 2021.
The new library has become a creative space where "you're sure to find something."
Exterior
Exterior
The Central Library is conveniently located between Nagoya University of Foreign Studies and Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences on the Nisshin Campus. The building has five floors above ground and one basement floor and houses approximately 300,000 books. The renovation of the first and second floors aimed to further revitalize the entire library.
Central Library 2nd Floor
Central Library 2nd Floor
The second floor of the Central Library seen from the east side. From the right of the photo are the second floor counter, a spacious corridor running from east to west, and a search table. In the back you can see semi-private booths and private rooms. It is a versatile learning space suited to different purposes.
2nd floor: Free semi-private room "Toki"
2nd floor: Free semi-private room "Toki"
The private rooms equipped with large displays can be used freely for presentations, video exhibitions, group work, and more, depending on your ideas. Each room has a name and design that represents the local culture and history. This room, with its yellow theme color, is named "Toki," which is reminiscent of Seto ware.
There is free space around the private rooms where you can relax while enjoying the indoor and outdoor atmosphere.
2nd floor: Freely-accessible semi-private room "Sado"
2nd floor: Freely-accessible semi-private room "Sado"
"Sado" is a private room themed on the green color of Nishio Matcha. The glass walls not only give the space a sense of spaciousness, but also allow the students' activities to seep into the space, leading to new discoveries.
2nd floor: A space for various student activities
2nd floor: A space for various student activities
There are spaces by the windows where students can study alone, and individual booths along the corridors. The space on the left in the photo is a space where two people can work together. There are spaces available for students to concentrate on studying alone or in pairs, immerse themselves in reading, or do various other activities.
2nd floor: Reading corner and private study room "Miya"
2nd floor: Reading corner and private study room "Miya"
In the foreground is a reading corner with large desk tops, and behind the glass partition is a private room called "Miya" for group study.
1st floor: A space to support students' free activities
1st floor: A space to support students' free activities
Koagari space is free seating to support students' free activities. During events, it can also be used as seating to view the large displays.
1st floor: N-Base, the information center for campus life
1st floor: N-Base, the information center for campus life
Just like chatting around a bonfire on the grass at a campsite, the space can be used as a communication space for events or classes, and information can also be disseminated using the large multi-display.
1st floor Refreshment space "N-Lounge"
1st floor Refreshment space "N-Lounge"
The comfortable "N-Lounge" feels like an extension of the courtyard and is a refreshment space equipped with racks for magazines and newspapers.
1st floor Refreshment space "N-Lounge"
1st floor Refreshment space "N-Lounge"
This space dispels the conventional notion of a library and features a big table where you can read newspapers and magazines while sipping a drink, just like in a book cafe in town. It is especially popular among students.
Playful drawing art
Playful drawing art
The walls are decorated with drawings of people, animals, landscapes and Japanese culture. The first floor has art that incorporates outdoor images to match the image of a place where students can interact with nature. The second floor has art that incorporates elements of Japanese culture to give students new insights and encourage learning.
Nature-inspired drawing art
Nature-inspired drawing art
The "N-Lounge" is decorated with bird art, creating an open outdoor space and a comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel as if you can hear the chirping of birds.
Nature-inspired drawing art
Nature-inspired drawing art
The first thing you see from the entrance hall is the "N-Base," which is decorated with tree art that evokes the view you would expect from chatting around a fire.
Nature-inspired drawing art
Nature-inspired drawing art
On the second floor, Japanese culture is incorporated into spatial art, allowing international students to come into contact with Japanese culture and learn about it for themselves.
User's Voice
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies/Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences Library
Section Manager Masae Morita
By holding a workshop prior to the spatial design and system construction, all members were able to exchange opinions and determine the direction of the renovation. Throughout the project, we were always conscious of creating a "comfortable space."
Currently, the "N-Base" on the first floor is used for events and video streaming, and the "N-Lounge" is popular with students because it allows drinks. The private rooms on the second floor are also actively used. We received some ideas to expand the possibilities of the library, and we hope to use them in future initiatives.
Comment
Designer
Takuya Shimozono
The aim of this project is to revitalize the Central Library, and we started by considering how we could combine the library and the Media Learning Center and get students to use it.
The planning and consideration of the facility began at a time when students were unable to attend school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was unexpected that we would not be able to grasp the actual usage situation. However, all the project members were able to think outside the box and make a bold change in their thinking, incorporating a comprehensive range of aspects into the design, including space, interior, furniture, ICT, and art.
Since the renovation, students have returned and are using the library in their own way, which has encouraged them to use it in their own way.
Regarding this matter
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Designer
Isamu Takeda