The first phase of a station-front development project, and part of the owner’s community contribution efforts. The site is located in Iga, Mie Prefecture , among a typical Japanese countryside landscape, called satoyama, with villages and fields.
This library consists of two stacked spaces with distinct characters. On the ground floor is a plaza-like space that connects to the public area in front of the station. Above is a lifted zone for the library that stores the precious books. A cafe and contemporary art exhibitions line the plaza, allowing local visitors to not only read books but also to spend their time freely. On the second floor connected with the giant double-height space, the design aims to create the atmosphere of library stacks, where the sense of being surrounded by books inspires intellectual curiosity.
As for additional buildings to come after the library, we are planning for a slow expansion akin to the growth of a village. By growing slowly, we hope to realize a rich, new rural landscape that weaves together local farming, culture, and lifestyle.Plaza and Library.