Media Library - SKETCHLINE

back

2001

Media Library

author

Toyo Ito

description

The main idea on which the Sandai Media Library is built is an open and mobile space, where space is not predetermined.

The 15-3 / 4-inch thick steel ribbed slabs appear to float from the street, supported only by thirteen vertical steel lattice columns that extend from the ground to the roof. Externally, the glass building resembles a large aquarium, in which instead of fish there are libraries, cinemas, studios and exhibition areas. They do not swim but stand. Like algae, asymmetrical pipes sprout through the floors. Each plan is free-form, since the structural lattices of the columns are independent of the facade and fluctuate in diameter, extending from floor to floor. They disobediently change directions, increase and decrease in diameter. The four largest pipes are located at the corners of the floors, serving as the main means of support and fastening. Five of the nine smaller tubes are straight and contain lifts, while the other four are more curved to accommodate ducts and wires. In the architecture of this structure, the boundaries are blurred – between internal and external, performers and audience, as well as service providers and users. The double glass shell is adorned with colored pixels, so it magically dissolves after sunset. Naked algae pipes and platforms are transformed into a giant cyber installation.