ArchShowcase 
Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Architecture Library, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand by Department of ARCHITECTURE co.January 19th, 2020 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: Department of ARCHITECTURE co. In the near future, will we still read physical books or need physical space for libraries? How do people use libraries differently with the change of lifestyle and the presence of the internet which has changed the way we access information and knowledge? The project explores new possibilities of how a library could become. Libraries today may continue to play an important role as learning space but it may not be the same anymore. There is an urge to rethink what a learning space is; and in particular what a learning space for an architecture school could become. To re-activate the library, the project has expanded the meaning of the architecture library to be more than a place for reading books, but to become ‘a creative incubator’ for students of architecture. Various programs are integrated into the new library. They range from a co-working space, an exhibition space, a pin-up space to an occasional lecture space where the library becomes a place for the exchange of ideas, and it includes not only physical books as sources of knowledge and inspiration but also digital media, movies, exhibition, etc.
 The library facade from the activity court, Image Courtesy © W Workspace
 The library facade from the garden court, Image Courtesy © W Workspace
 Part of the library above the faculty’s main entrance, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Library entrance, Image Courtesy © W Workspace On its first level, a 3Ds grid system enveloping a co-working space provides an open-ended platform for students to create exhibitions or various events, to hang, to fasten, to insert, or to do anything with it. It becomes an experimental ground for architecture students to act on the space. The ever changing exhibitions from various studios in the schools could inspire one another. The system is also available for pin-up spaces with magnetic pin boards and digital screen where anyone who walk pass can stop by to join the discussions. Although today a great deal of information is online. Content in books still have a different nature of curation and depth. While digital data already surrounds us virtually, the physical space of the library attempts to surround us with physical books and magazines. Showcase spaces showing book covers facing out are maximized, rather than the usual compressed stacks we see only book spines, inviting people to pick them up to read them.  Co-working / Exhibition space, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  The 3D grid system as a creative platform for exhibitions and events, Image Courtesy © W Workspace There still be a quiet zone for those who need to concentrate. Carrels are rearranged in a labyrinth configuration to minimize disturbance from the circulation around. The reflective ceiling reveals the plan of the luminous maze. On the top floor, the pixelated steps are reading area that, with rearrangement of the cushions, can be turned into an auditorium for occasional lectures or movies as another source of inspiration. Different atmospheres and seating types allow people to choose according to their preference, from co-working space, tables looking to the outside, a quiet area, low table and sofa space for a relaxing setting, even to sitting on the floor. The students who work all night may even find a space to take a power nap on the mattress area on the mezzanine to refresh themselves before going to the next class.  Vertical circulation through the grid system, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  The grid system as a structure for the magazine display, the stairs and the pixel steps, Image Courtesy © W Workspace The highest location of the library, on the top floor ceiling, embeds a commemoration of King Rama IX. It portrays the King not with his image but with his important urban projects that have immense positive impact on the city and inspire us on his unique philosophy on the urban planning approach. Based on a research especially done for this library by an urban design faculty member and his team, the map of Bangkok highlights nine important royal projects on three major urban issues alleviating the traffic problems, the flood problems, and the water pollution problems. Provided in the library, the map will be accompanied by a booklet with more details of the research.  Magazine display integrated with grid system, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Magazine display integrated with grid system, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Rotatable magazine box, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Reading area, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Librarian counter & new arrival showcase, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  New arrival showcase can be adjusted to fit all sizes of books, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Bookshelf system, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Casual reading area under the mezzanine, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  The pixel steps as a casual reading space, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  The pixel steps as a movie space, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Royal initiative projects map on the ceiling, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Mezzanine mattress area, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Quiet zone foyer, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Quiet zone labyrinths , Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Quiet zone labyrinths , Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Inside the carrels, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  The plan of the carrel labyrinth reflected on to the ceiling, Image Courtesy © W Workspace  Iso diagram, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Plan4, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  SectionA, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Sketch03, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Sketch05, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Detail-new arrival, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Elevation1, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.  Section1, Image Courtesy © Department of ARCHITECTURE co.
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