Gosan Library / Learning Arcade

Location: South Korea

Project Type: Competition

Status: 2012

Architect: FDA

 

What if a street continues into the library?

 
 
 

The production and consumption of information are no longer privileges reserved for particular groups. As seen in platforms like Wikipedia, knowledge is now shaped through collective efforts within open networks, accessible to all.

From this perspective, contemporary libraries are not merely places for the accumulation of knowledge but active spaces for knowledge creation. They are evolving into dynamic public spaces that serve local communities.

This proposal embraces the existing public character of the site, transforming it into the heart of the new library design

 
 
 
 
 

The proposed scheme seeks to transform the poorly defined public area into a more articulated and vibrant space for the community. As a result, the Learning Arcade - a new type of outdoor space serves as a new platform where potential patrons can casually pass through or explore educational and cultural opportunities offered by the library.

Physically integrated into the street network, this linear space is designed to attract more visitors, while its connection to social digital media further amplifies the library’s visibility and engagement with the public.

Conceived to foster a generative community culture, the arcade functions like a conveyor belt in the manufacturing industry—offering a dynamic flow where patrons can observe and participate in various activities taking place in the lecture hall, classrooms, and library. Additionally, the space itself can accommodate intimate-scale events, such as art exhibitions, music performances, and informational displays.

With the introduction of the Learning Arcade, the library will effectively transform the site into a vibrant cultural hub, activating the space with ongoing events and enriching the community’s engagement with knowledge and creativity.