Slide 1
The space is formed by the combination of two different design elements which are open space formed with linear wooden element and more closed volumetric pavilions.
Slide 2
Main design concept of the space is "interlocking". The interrelationship of Korean culture - American culture, children – book, and children – library space can appear in interlocking form.
Slide 3
The rectangular prism is located in the middle of the path and beneath the collection of floating books hanging from the ceiling.
Slide 4
The courtyard is the core space of the library where children first meet with the interlocking furniture and books on them. The form of the furniture pieces evolves from the linear movement in the courtyard to surface and volume on the upper floors.
Slide 5
Two inner egos of Korean and American in a child can be interlocked through the activity of finding and reading the comic books.
Slide 6
The transformation of the form from a line to a volume constructs a continuity of the space from the central courtyard to the language center on the third floor.
Slide 7
The facade will be covered with the wood planks that are used in many spaces inside to create connectivity between inside and outside.

ENCOUNTER OF CULTURES

There are many ethnic Korean children who were either born in the states or moved to the states when they were young. Many of them often get confused about their nationalities and go through an identity crisis. The internal conflicts during childhood can become problematic when establishing one's values and conception of self.

My question arises from the perception that design solutions for these children can be achieved to solve these problems. My thesis will propose a library for children in NYC's Korea Town that educates ethnic Korean children to know the origin of their culture and enhance their cultural intelligence. The library will provide an environment where these children can interact with object (book) and space (library) through interlocking architecture.

In order to develop this idea, I studied the design elements and compositions in Korean traditional architecture and its relation to space. A design methodology is to create a new library space through the reinterpretation and application of the Korean traditional house.

Thesis Advisor: Mark Rakatansky