Project 07 | The Codex

A spatial exploration of boundaries for an inclusive library design.

Bachelor in Architecture, Year 3

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In recent times, the traditional Library typology finds itself on the brink of extinction as modern digital methods of information distribution proves itself to be more efficient and convenient to all. In addition, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the alarming need to evolve the traditional library into a decentralized digital resource node and to equip users with digital working facilities more than ever before.

The Queenstown Public Library site is located near to several educational facilities, such as Pre-schools, Tertiary Education Colleges, and even Special Needs facilities. It is also near residential facilities of various other user-groups, such as the elderly , Foreign Workers, and residents in the HDB flats across the site.

The CODEX attempts to redefine the library as a communal educational resource node through responding to the need for a digitized learning space by providing spaces conducive to modern ways of working and learning. This leads to a space where alternative forms of media is directly juxtaposed to traditional books, providing a unique opportunity to be cross-referred in close proximity.

The Boundary Model explorations:

1) The Anti-Physical Boundary:

Aims to create a non-physical boundary to users to serve as both a directionality and a termination plane in the space. This creates a focal point in a space for users.

2) The Membrane:

Aims to create an internal environment where transitions between spaces happen within a larger scope of space, blurring the boundary of in and out.

The Project form consists of 2 core spaces: The Spiraling Book stack Volume & The Central Digital Workspaces.

The Spiral Book Stack Volume spirals upwards creating a large ramp which encompasses the

central 3-stories of Digital Workspaces, creating a continual Relationship with the bookstacks through both visual and circulatory means. The spiral book stack allows for the users to browse the collection without interrupting the flow of the user's circulation, while remaining accessible to wheelchair-bound individuals. The Central Digital Workspaces are conducive for digital work, collaborative work, and group discussion; as well as being digitally equipped spaces such as e-meeting rooms and recording rooms.

The CODEX begins with the integrated bus shelter on Margaret Drive. Users are greeted with a sunken community plaza which contains free seating areas, the cafe, reception, and the entrance to the library. Following the library entrance, users will meet with the choice of entering the digital workspace or the book stacks. The books stack will continue for 2 more levels, where the roof level terminates with a sky garden space for users to enjoy.

Both volumes express 2 different spatial qualities tailored to the respective functions of the space. The Spiral book stack is bright and transparent to allow for natural light to penetrate the internal spaces. The digital workspaces are darker and more opaque and more controlled to allow for a conducive working environment with dynamic light shafts located in the ceilings. The space in between the 2 volumes are voids which allow for natural light to enter the ground floor, for stack ventilation to occur, and to serve as a boundary between the 2 main volumes.

Inspired by the anatomy of the physical book, the Façade superimposes the motion of the opening and closing of the book, which causes the widening and the narrowing of individual fins on elevation. This move corresponds to the internal programs of the volumes, which is designed according to the required light levels, visual transparency, and the framing or termination of views of each portion of the different spaces in the building. The overall structure relies on the spiral book stack, as beams running through the slabs will terminate on selected facade fins which double as columns to deliver load down to the foundations.

The CODEX attempts to redefine the library as a communal educational resource node for the estate through responding to the need for a digitized learning space within Queenstown.

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