The Library of Songdo International City is envisioned as a building that would embody the publicness of knowledge in a city that claims to serve as an international paradigm. Bold and clear, our architectural concept is this of a half buried rectangular parallelepiped, inclined so that its main facade forms a large amphitheatrical stage. Its sculptural approach, instantly placing it among the highly symbolic buildings of the area, allows the architectural form to stand in the intersection of art and philosophy. Reflecting our contextual interpretation of a public space dedicated to knowledge and progress, this stair-shaped form aims to function as a cultural landmark.

Local architecture, urban history and the future perspective are put together under this structure serving as a platform for knowledge transmission and social engagement. Its welcoming shape attracts the visitor to be part of a broad-spectrum discussion that concerns the Songdo community and beyond. With the building placed in the north and its main facade turned towards the outstanding south view of the Golf Club and the ocean ahead, the landscape seems to enter the site forming a park that actively engages with the urban environment around. Pedestrians are thus smoothly introduced to the library space through flowing routes that end up in the center of the site, beside the library’s main entrance.

The slenderness of the whole structure is to be attributed to the horizontal shades that form the main facade, underlining the buildings ability to interact with its built and physical environment. The organic combination of the building and the park in front, allows the library to be active both indoors and outdoors. The amphitheatrical platform can host lectures to concerts and art events, while maintaining its fundamental use as study, rest and socialising open to the public area. This concept of openness is preserved in the library’s interior, too, addressing the transition between inside and outside as only a matter of perception.

Entering the building from the main entrance, visitors will find themselves facing all levels of possible movement within the library. The space unfolds its qualities stepwise starting from level -6 of the arrangement, where the children area and playground are placed, until the highest level of the cafe and study hall. One single ramp twists through all four levels of the arrangement, maintaining the cohesive meaning of the design. Atriums are situated at each level serving the needs of lighting, ventilation as well as visual and physical release. Care has also been taken so that all library spaces are accessible to the disabled.