守山市立図書館, Public library in Moriyama, Japan
Moriyama City Library is a public library with cedar wood panels covering its walls that filter natural light throughout the interior spaces. The layout features open areas designed to encourage people to spend time browsing and reading.
The library first opened in 1972 and received a major redesign by architect Kengo Kuma that was completed in 2018. This transformation updated the facility while keeping its role as a community resource.
The building uses cedar wood from Shiga Prefecture, creating a direct link to the local surroundings and making the place feel rooted in the community.
The building is easy to navigate with clear sightlines throughout the main areas. Plan extra time to explore the different sections and discover the cafes and shops located inside.
The facility includes a special section called Book Forest where books are displayed in a forest-like setting. This space blends reading with natural inspiration in an unexpected way.
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