worklounge 03- completes japan foundation center library in hanoi

worklounge 03- completes japan foundation center library in hanoi
(above) the project included the renovation of the interior and the design of new furniture
all images courtesy of hiroyuki oki

located in hanoi, local-based research and architectural design consultant company worklounge 03- has completed the renovation of the japan foundation center library. the project’s site is part of a building with over a hundred years, designated of heritage conservation value. this characteristic created some obstacles that banned them from revamping the exterior façade and structure. another problem they had to solve was that the library room and its openings were quite small as a result of the brick masonry construction.

walls and ceilings were covered in bookshelves

the solution was to open the library room into the internal space of the cultural center, giving it more space and airiness. they then covered the walls entirely with bookshelves and continued with this geometric design across the ceiling. by doing this, the studio aimed to create a space where one would feel surrounded by bookshelves and wrapped in books. the collection is set to double over the next five years and there will also be the replacement of many of the books over time. as the books change, so will the interior feeling.

the library’s book collection is set to double in the next five years 

because the library is part of a conservation building, the architects were restricted

both the external façade and the structure could not be touched

the library now leads into the cultural center, giving it a sense of openness

the library’s book collection is set to double in the next five years 

seating areas were designated and the furniture was specially designed for them  

detail of how the bookshelf pattern continues into the ceiling

DVD room 

floor plans

project info:

architects: worklounge 03- vietnam
location:quang trung str., hanoi, vietnam
architect in charge:hiroomi takemori, tim middleton
area:120m2
project year:2013
photographs:hiroyuki oki
constructor:yenyen co., ltd.