The Birch Library | Juyoung Lee

Hwibong Elementary School's library was created as a space where reading, relaxation, and play coexist. In the space before entering the library, you can sit on the sofa and chat, unlike inside the library. It becomes a small community space in the school. The entrance is made of a glass door, so it is not stuffy because you can look inside. The big table, seen directly from the entrance, provides a space for several students to face each other and do group activities or discussions based on books. After passing the big table, you will see a round space with curved windows. A small group of students can sit around and read books quietly. The triangular floor is a place where you can take off your shoes and go up, and you can sit down or lie on your stomach to read books and relax. A bench was created by placing a large square space in the bookshelf inside the triangular floor. A bookcase breaks down the stereotype of being furniture for inserting books. The triangular floor is slightly wrapped in a bookshelf, so you can feel cozy. In front of the triangular floor, there is a bench with a round bookshelfronted bookshelf. You can sit freely in an open space and do reading activities. The space was efficiently used as a bookshelf under the bench. If you go a little further inside the library, you will find a desk that can sit for six people. Reading classes are also held here. The window has a bar table, so you can read alone quietly. The innermost wall of the library was made into a loft and a net playground was installed. The net playground, which has to be climbed up the stairs, induces physical activity to occur naturally indoors. The downstairs of the net playground is a deep space where you have to bend down and enter, which can stimulate children's curiosity. It is a space where children not only read books, but also play and relax, making it a more comfortable space for children to come to the library more often.