Kanazawa Umimirai Library, Public library in Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa Umimirai Library is a three-story public library with a concrete structure approximately 45 meters square, featuring roughly 6000 glass-filled openings in its exterior walls. These holes allow sunlight to naturally illuminate the interior spaces and create a distinctive visual pattern across the building's surface.
The building opened in 2011, designed by architects Kazumi Kudo and Hiroshi Horiba as a contemporary cultural landmark for Kanazawa. The project earned the BCS Prize in 2013 for its groundbreaking approach to library design.
The library's name, Umimirai, means "future by the sea" and reflects its waterfront location. People come here not just to borrow books but to spend time together in a space designed for both focused work and relaxed interaction.
The library uses floor heating systems for cooler months and roof ventilation to manage temperature throughout the year. Visitors can work and read comfortably in all seasons without extreme heat or cold.
The main reading room reaches 12 meters high, creating an open and airy feeling for visitors who want to read or study. A mezzanine level within this space offers separate areas for crafts and casual browsing, drawing both focused and leisurely visitors.
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