Gensler designed the Toyohashi City Library with brightness and creativity in Toyohashi, Japan.

Design Challenge
Since Toyohashi city has been in decline from an increasing aging population, our challenge was to enhance the value of the experience in the space beyond only reading, so that non-typical library users of all ages would be drawn to gather there.

Solutions to Design Challenge
The library brings the city’s knowledge and community under one circle. To create an open and lively atmosphere, the space was designed around people, rather than being a conventional place for quiet reading and study only. A theatre-like staircase in the center of the library can be used as an event venue for children’s plays and live concerts, filling the library with music and bonding the community. At the bottom of the staircase is a café that serves lunch boxes throughout the day— the sounds of freshly ground coffee and its aroma fill the library, creating a comfortable space for all.

The library is divided into five zones; the central event space host seasonal concerts and talk events in the Welcome Zone, and the Active Zone has books and toys for kids to make reading fun and entertaining. Small open spaces with movable furniture can host book discussion groups, talk show events, or yoga classes. Targeted for teenagers, the book selection in the Grownup Zone ranges from novels and university guides to fashion magazines and comic books. Relaxation Zone is focused on comfort; the seating and table are large and spacious with pendant lights to create a cozy atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the latest science and technology literatures in Learning and Creative Zone. There is also a makers’ space that has 3D printers and Mac with the latest creative software.

A bright and lively place for community interaction has been created that is loved by all generations.

Design: Gensler
Design Team: Keisuke Kobayashi, Takashi Arimoto, Kosuke Nose, Tatsuya Oi, Akemi Umeno
Contractor: Jinno Construction Co., KAJIMA CORPORATION
Photography: Nacasa & Partners