Gwangjin Information Library

_hyogeun_

'People may not change, but spaces can' - Gwangjin Information Library

Sometimes, when experiencing a space, there is a sense of regret. Despite the good location and the building itself not being bad, providing potential for a great space, the poor interior showcases and haphazardly planned room configurations result in a loss of potential. This is commonly seen in public buildings, and is more apparent in older structures.

With a limited budget, priority is often given to maximizing effect, resulting in decorative elements being replaced with cheaper materials and construction methods to minimize labor costs. This prevents excessive maintenance costs and avoids criticism for unnecessary spending. Over time, mismatched programs are mixed into one space, and the purchase of equipment as needed results in an interior decoration lacking unity. Hence, the space could not come alive.

The 'Gwangjin Information Library' is a fairly large public building divided into a library section and a culture section, connected by a bridge. In front of the building flows the Han River, and above it passes the Seoul Metro Line 2. The building takes advantage of the marvelous view, opens large windows towards the scenery, and brings in ample light by angling the space. A spiral staircase centered around an elevator reduces the monotony with windows aligned to the movement flow.

However, due to various reasons mentioned earlier, the space's potential was buried, and it remained a space filled with regrets. Therefore, I did not even consider taking interior photos, and being no different from other libraries, I had no desire to revisit.

Recently, however, when I returned to the library to borrow or return books, the space, completely transformed, demanded my attention and compelled me to engage my camera.

The most notable change in the newly revamped space is the ceiling. By removing the uniformly finished ceiling and placing lights at regular intervals to highlight lines, not just horizontally but in a fan shape to fit the space's design, the space appears wider. The sightline naturally extends outdoors, allowing one to fully enjoy the charm of the place.

The 'Maker Space Workshop,' which was added over time and previously neglected in a corner, was moved to the center of the third floor of the library section through remodeling. The space is now divided by glass to block out noise without feeling claustrophobic, attracting people's attention to the unique appeal of the 'Gwangjin Information Library.'

With growing interest in public architecture and proactive engagement with spaces, there's a rising call for improved quality. Although many public buildings have attempted this change, few have shown good results. Fortunately, the Gwangjin Information Library seems to be a positive example.

However, since only the library section has been remodeled so far, the culture section has yet to discover its charm. Hopefully, the remaining spaces will also be transformed soon to be loved by the community.

Spaces, unlike people, can change if one is willing.

Architecture - Top Engineering Architects Office
Photo, Article - Hyogeun Shin (@_hyogeun_)

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Seoul, Gwangjin-gu, Achasan-ro 78gil 90
Weekdays 09:00 - 22:00
Weekends 09:00 - 18:00
Closed on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month