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TU, IOE

CHITWAN ENGINEERING CAMPUS

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
RAMPUR, CHITWAN

REPORT ON CASE STUDY OF LIBRARIES


DESIGN STUDIO IV

Submitted by: Submitted to:


Aagya Ghimire (CHI077BAR001) Ar. Sushma Bhatta
Basanti Tamang (CHI077BAR005) Ar. Aakash Thapa Magar
Ishara Aryal (CHI077BAR009)
Niharika Pun Magar (CHI077BAR013)
Puja Koirala (CHI077BAR017)
Savyata Bohara (CHI077BAR021)

December 3, 2022
Case study on Library
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................3
1.1 Types of Libraries:..............................................................................................................3
2. GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................3
2.1 Site considerations ............................................................................................................3
2.2 Anthropometry..................................................................................................................3
2.3 Entrance ............................................................................................................................4
2.4 Locker rooms .....................................................................................................................4
2.5 Section divisions ................................................................................................................4
2.5.1 Reception/ Waiting area .............................................................................................4
2.5.2 Arrival section .............................................................................................................5
2.5.3 Catalogue Section .......................................................................................................5
2.5.4 Reference section .......................................................................................................6
2.5.5 Periodical Section .......................................................................................................6
2.4.6 Journal Section ...........................................................................................................7
2.5.6 Acquisition Section .....................................................................................................7
2.5.7 Reading Section ..........................................................................................................8
2.5.7 Issue Section ...............................................................................................................8
2.5.9 Reprographic Section ..................................................................................................9
2.5.9 Display Area ................................................................................................................9
2.6 Additional ........................................................................................................................10
2.6.1 Digital Library/ Audio visual room .............................................................................10
2.6.2 Library Hall ...............................................................................................................10
2.6.3 Staff/ Work Area .......................................................................................................11
2.6.4 Pantry .......................................................................................................................11
2.7 Seating spaces .................................................................................................................11
2.8 Furniture .........................................................................................................................12
2.8.1 Bookshelves ..............................................................................................................12
2.8.2 Table and Chairs .......................................................................................................13
2.9 Circulation .......................................................................................................................14
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2.10 Lighting and Ventilation .................................................................................................15
2.11 Electrical components ...................................................................................................15
2.12 Interior Aesthetic ...........................................................................................................16
2.13 Security and safety ........................................................................................................16
2.14 HVAC and Air conditioning .............................................................................................17
2.15 Others ...........................................................................................................................17
2.15.1 Toilet and Water Closet ..............................................................................................17
2.15.2 Cafeteria .................................................................................................................18
2.15.3 Parking....................................................................................................................19
2.16 Bye-Laws .......................................................................................................................20
3. CASE STUDY...........................................................................................................................21
3.1 Kathmandu University Central Library .............................................................................21
3.1.1 General Info ..............................................................................................................21
3.1.2 Description: ..............................................................................................................22
3.2 AFU Library ......................................................................................................................25
3.2.1 General info: .............................................................................................................25
3.2.2 Description: ..............................................................................................................25
3.3 Tama Art University Library .............................................................................................28
3.3.1 General Info: .............................................................................................................28
3.3.2 Description: ..............................................................................................................28
3.4 TU Delft ...........................................................................................................................32
General info: .....................................................................................................................32
Description: .......................................................................................................................32
4. Reference: .............................................................................................................................40

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1. INTRODUCTION
Library is a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films
and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution. While
designing a library many factors have to be considered as it could innovation and individuals.
Library architecture has the responsibility to enhance these effects by providing a knowledge
center that is inspirational and conducive to good communication and teaching interactions.

1.1 Types of Libraries:


 Academic Libraries.
 Public Libraries.
 National Library.
 Digital Library.
 University Library and Science Library.

2. GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS


2.1 Site considerations
 Accessibility of site
 Relationship to existing city plan
 Visual prominence
 Traffic patterns
 Soil conditions
 Parking
 Centralized location
 Fair price

2.2 Anthropometry
A single person requires reading area minimum 1.5 sq m– 2.8 sq m

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2.3 Entrance
The entrance gate should be 5-6m wide enough to pass any vehicles and about 1-1.5m
entrance for pedestrian.

2.4 Locker rooms


Libraries should be equipped with lockers where the Library users and employees can leave
their property. Lockers can be aligned in the passages or hallways and also can be given a
designated room.

2.5 Section divisions


2.5.1 Reception/ Waiting area
It may be a desk by the door.

• Per person area 1.89 m2

. When seated in small chair’s width 7.43 m2 minimum altogether.

• Proper Ventilation and lightening.

• Near main entrance.

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2.5.2 Arrival section
The arrival area is the area that all of the library's users pass through to find their way further
into the library's spaces and collections. Its main function is to make the visitors venture further
into the library's experience spaces. Many libraries have organized a newspaper reading room
in the arrival area. Many have established a cafe function in order to attract stray customers
and create life. The arrival area is often the place where quick material lending or returning
take place when the visitor does not have the time or does not wish to go further into the
library space.

2.5.3 Catalogue Section


The Cataloguing Section is considered the hub of the library.

A library catalog is a register of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of libraries,
such as a network of libraries at several locations. A catalog for a group of libraries is also called
a union catalog. A bibliographic item can be any information entity that is considered library
material , or a group of library materials, or linked from the catalog as far as it is relevant to the
catalog and to the users of the library.

A catalog helps to serve as an inventory or bookkeeping of the library's contents which defines
four user tasks: find, identify, select, and obtain. The general objectives of library are:

1. to enable a person to find a book of which any of the Identifying objective is known ie, the
author, the title, the subject, the date of publication

2. to show what the library has ( Collocating objective by a given author, on a given subject, in a
given kind of literature)

Types of catalogue
 Author catalog: a formal catalog, sorted alphabetically according to the names of
authors, editors, illustrators, etc.
 Subject catalog: a catalog that sorted based on the Subject.
 Title catalog: a formal catalog, sorted alphabetically according to the article of the
entries.
 Dictionary catalog: a catalog in which all entries (author, title, subject, series) are
interfiled in a single alphabetical order.
 Keyword catalog: a subject catalog, sorted alphabetically according to some system of
keywords.
 Mixed alphabetic catalog forms: sometimes, one finds a mixed author / title, or an
author / title / keyword catalog.

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2.5.4 Reference section


The primary objective of the Reference section is to provide information and services to
support the academic and research needs.

The book of the Reference section which are those materials that are meant to aid research by
providing quick and accessible information on any particular topic. These materials are usually
used to find facts or provide broad overviews of topics. This section helps the users identify and
locate information through various reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias,
almanacs, bibliographies, atlases, gazetteers, yearbooks, indexes, annuals, handbooks, travel
guides, and other reference materials.

2.5.5 Periodical Section


Periodicals are publications issued at regular intervals and to be continued in an indefinite
period of time. Journals, magazines, newspapers, vertical file materials such as newspaper
clippings, pamphlets, and other ephemeral materials are available in this section. This section is
responsible for procurement of print journals and magazines.

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2.4.6 Journal Section


Journal section is located on the mezzanine floor of the reading room. This section is reference
section for journal. This section deals with subscription, display and dissemination of new
knowledge embodied in the journals, magazine, and newspapers. Current journal are
subscribed on the basis of recommendation of the concerned Head of Department. Journal
relating to social sciences and languages are available for the reference. Also the bound
volumes or back volumes of the journals are available in this section.

2.5.6 Acquisition Section


Acquisitions or Library Acquisitions is the process of selecting and acquiring selected materials
for library and information centers in all formats including digital items and maintaining the
necessary records related to acquisitions. First, the selections of materials are done according
to the collection development policy of the library. It involves pre-order bibliographic searching

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of the library catalog to avoid duplication of materials. Then the selected materials are acquired
by ordering them for purchase, exchange, or gift. This is followed by receiving the materials,
checking their quality, processing invoices, making payment to vendors or individuals, and
maintaining the necessary records related to acquisitions. The function of the Acquisitions
department goes beyond buying books. The Acquisitions department responsibilities include
having:

 To order, claim, receive, preserve, and pay for all library materials.
 To negotiate licensing agreements for electronic publications and on-line services.

2.5.7 Reading Section


Reading areas are where library users can read and study. A reading space can help build
literacy skills such as sentence structure, punctuation and grammar. This is because, when
books are readily available to use, students may be more likely to pick them up and read them,
which is fantastic for developing important skills in reading and writing.

2.5.7 Issue Section


This section is located near the entrance which provide circulation of documents to the users
of the library. This section acts as a bridge between users and books. The following tasks are
performed by this section:

 Membership Registration
 Issue/Return
 Reserve/Renewal
 Issue No Dues Certificate
 Overdue Fine Collection

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 Alert Services such as overdue, collect notice etc.

2.5.9 Reprographic Section


Photocopying is a form of making copies of required items from books, journals, newspapers or
pamphlets and the like. The practice is a very valuable aid to the library users.The development
of photocopying services has helped the Library in its effort to provide better services to the
Library users and ensure that users get better access to library resources. Library users have
easy access to photocopying facilities, which enable them to reproduce required material from
books and journals.

2.5.9 Display Area


A display is a selection of items (either physical or virtual) with little to no accompanying text or
provided interpretation. Displays may be ancillary to an exhibit or stand on their own. The
purpose of a library display is to communicate meaning through a collection of items
(bibliographic, physical, or digital).

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2.6 Additional
2.6.1 Digital Library/ Audio visual room
The audio-visual room is a place where the students of all classes experience learning in an
effective way. Visual aids grow the accurate image when students see and hear properly; they
provide complete example for conceptual thinking; create the environment of interest for the
students; helps to increase their vocabulary and make learning permanent and also extends
their imagination beyond the classroom setting etc.

2.6.2 Library Hall


The classical library typically has a hall that can be used for a variety of meetings, from debates
and talks to cultural activities, and typically, it also has meeting rooms that can be borrowed or
used by study groups etc. It’s a challenge to develop meeting spaces that are more flexible, e.g.
as at Malmö City Library where the bookcases in the Calendar of Light are on wheels and can be
wheeled out to make room for six hundred people. Similarly, it is applied on a smaller scale at
the Rotunda at Tårnby Library where chairs can be set up for 130 people.

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2.6.3 Staff/ Work Area
Formula for Work Areas-To estimate the square feet of space needed for staff work areas,
multiply the number of work areas by 150. An average space allocation is 150 square feet per
work area.

 An accessible service counter such as a circulation or reference desk must be at least 36


inches in length and no more than 36 inches high.
 Accessible work area for staff should be provided upon request.

2.6.4 Pantry
The pantry helps those facing nutritional insecurity by providing easy access to free and
nutritious food for the staffs or the readers.

Pantry should provide space for storing ready to eat/ instant foods and may also provide place
for heating or microwaving foods.

2.7 Seating spaces


It is recommended that libraries provide 5 user seats for every 1,000 people in their projected
service area. Libraries serving less than 10,000 residents should provide 7 to 10 seats for every
1,000 residents.

User seating does not include the seats, conference rooms, meeting rooms, and staff work
areas, unless the meeting rooms will be used for everyday library activities, such as quiet study
or homework center.

Exact amount of space needed for user seating will vary depending on the type of seating: for
seating at tables, allow 25 square feet per seat; for seating at study carrels, allow 30 square
feet; for seating in lounge chairs, allow 35 square feet, etc.

 At least 5% or a minimum of one of each type of seating, tables, or study carrels should
be accessible to people with disabilities
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 Accessible furniture placement must have clear passage of 36 inches
 Knee space is provided for people who use wheelchairs. This space is 19 inches deep
and 27 inches high from floor to underside of table or counter.

2.8 Furniture
2.8.1 Bookshelves
• Bookcases typically range in depth between 10”-12” (26-31 cm) for medium sized books.
Smaller bookcase depths of 6.5” (17 cm) may be desired for paperback books and novels, while
larger bookcase depths of 14” (35 cm) are useful for records and larger format books.

• The distance between shelves should not be less than 70 cm; preferred distance is 90 cm.

• Suggested dimensions of shelves are: Height 190 cm. Width 100 cm. Depth 25-30cm.

• Shelving systems for books, magazines, media; mostly freestanding double shelf units
(vertical steel profiles, shelves steel sheet or wood) h = 2.25 m, spacing of verticals = 1.00 m,
depth of shelves = 0.25-0.30 m, but also extra depths.

• For atlases and newspaper collected editions; shelves adjustable for height min. every 15 mm.
Height of the freestanding double shelves max. 5 x depth. Capacity of the shelves depends on
the number of shelves per unit, calculated at 25-30 volumes/running m. Shelf spacing in stacks
> 0.75 m, longer in accessible areas.

• Mobile shelf units (only permissible in closed stacks) can, if the column grid is favorable and
the shelf blocks fit, result in a capacity increase of up to approx. 100%. Required: floor load-
bearing capacity ~12.5 KN/m2 (extra costs compared to the usual 7.5 KN/m2 ). • Similarly, for
the children standard area should be 8 x 16 m2 .

• Children study table should be between 26 to 30 inches in height for a comfortable seating
position.

• The shelves should have adult height size in which approximately 175 cm.

• For young children the best way to display books is using kinder boxes, wooden cabinets that
stand slightly off the floor (they are divided into four sections and each section can
accommodate approximately 25 books).

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2.8.2 Table and Chairs


• Space Offering Wooden Library
Table

with Chair size: 48 x 30 x 30”.

• Seating Capacity: 4 Person.

• Size: 48x30x30”

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2.9 Circulation
Each floor of the library building shall be at one single level to facilitate the movement of book
trolley from one part to another. Thresholds shall not be provided anywhere inside the
building.

The movement of the book trolley from one tier to another where there are three or more tiers
in the stack room, should be through electric lifts provided within the stack room with landing
at every tier of the stack room and at other connected adjacent rooms. In large libraries where
quick mechanical carriage of books and related materials are required, special arrangements,
such as, pneumatic tubes and belt conveyors may become necessary. This may require to be
considered at the initial stages of design of the library and its building.

The rooms shall be arranged in such a way that the staff other than those servicing the reading
room shall not-have to pass through the reading room disturbing the readers.

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2.10 Lighting and Ventilation
 It’s particularly important that lighting be right in a place where people will be reading, and
should be either directly above or near the tables.
 Natural lighting and ventilation, is desired in public libraries for efficient lighting, human
comfort and structural cooling, when harnessed together is more efficient, reliable and
consume less energy compared to other sources of lighting and ventilation.
 Structural features which contribute to natural lighting include: Space planning, window to
wall area ratio, skylights and light tubes, light shelves, high ceiling paired with tall windows,
interior surface color and finishes, strategic space articulation, clerestories.
 Introduction of high ceilings and clerestory windows can be very effective in providing good
daylight.
 North-facing windows or clerestories admit daylight while excluding direct sunlight. South
facing glazing with adequate overhangs can also be effective. Where direct sun is allowed
to enter reading areas, adjustable window coverings should be provided.
 Day lighting should be integrated with a dimmable or multi-level lighting control system so
the lighting is automatically adjusted in response to available daylight, and electrical energy
savings are possible as a result.
 Book stacks must be lit adequately so patrons can find books and also so staff can spend
long hours shelving books without visual discomfort.
 Parking areas, steps, ramps, paths, plazas, doorways, and potential hiding places should be
adequately lit for safety and security.
 Building design that maximizes natural ventilation, an effective window design, use of
mixed mode ventilation and efficient mechanical ventilation systems minimizes energy use.
 The most effective means of natural ventilation is cross ventilation, where air is allowed to
pass from one side of a building to the other. For this to work efficiently, the buildings
usually are no more than 12-15 m in depth.
 In deeper plan spaces, natural ventilation can be attained by making use of central lobby
and making use of the “stack effect” to draw air from the outside and up through the center
of the building.
 The provision of a courtyard to attain maximum circulation of natural air and day light for
effective functionality and thus enhancing indoor comfort and day lighting.

2.11 Electrical components


 The general lighting shall be such as would easily suffice the reader at the desk and
between the aisles of the stacks when looking for a volume.
 While locating fan points and light points, care shall be exercised to see that the
intervention of the shadow of the blades of the revolving fan does not further worsen
the flickering effect of the fluorescent lighting.
 Adequate provision of plug points for servicing with vacuum cleaners, sprayers, etc,
should be provided at appropriate areas. Revolving fan does not further worsen the
flickering effect of the fluorescent lighting.
 Adequate provision of plug points for servicing with vacuum cleaners, sprayers, etc,
should be provided at appropriate areas.
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2.12 Interior Aesthetic


The aesthetic choices for the Library space should relay a particular message about the overall
experience users will have. Consider whether the Library will be more formal and traditional or
more modern and open. Determine how it will provide connections to the local community,
ideals, and traditions, cultural connections, and or nature.

Provide natural day lighting where possible but consider the effects of light on collections in the
process to reduce damage. Lighting levels should be even. Surfaces should not be too shiny or
glossy and keep reflections, shadows, and glare to a minimum.

Provide visual contrast and use differences in colors, textures, and patterns to create an
engaging experience and differentiate spaces.

2.13 Security and safety


Security is an essential problem in libraries, security weaknesses in libraries, coupled with attacks or
other kinds of failures, can lead to private facts being inappropriately accessed, or loss of integrity of the
data stored. To reduce such mishaps many security systems and devices are being used for safety of
library, its books, etc.
Types of Security Systems in Libraries
a. Conventional or Manual security systems:
 Fire extinguisher & security equipment
A fire extinguisher is an active hearth protection machine used to extinguish or
manipulate small fires, regularly in emergency situations. It is no longer supposed for
use on an out-of-control fire, such as one which has reached the ceiling, endangers the
consumer (i.e. no break out route, smoke, explosion hazard, etc.).
 ID cards and access authorization
 Locks & Key system
 Security Clearance procedure
A security clearance is an authorization that permits get entry to information that
would otherwise be forbidden.
 Security guards
 Signature of every user (Gate Registration)
Any man or woman intending to use the University Library and its assets in person,
should present his/her private Identity Card and always furnish correct particulars at
the Gate Register for entry into the library.
 Single door entry-exit for staff & User
b. Electronic security systems:
 Exit detection system
 Alarm systems
It gives an audible, visual or other form of alarm signal about a problem or condition.
 Biometrics
Biometric security is a security mechanism which evaluates an individual’s bodily
elements or biological data to authenticate and provide access to a facility or system.

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 CCTV cameras
 RFID system
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) based totally access-control gadget permits solely
accredited human beings to enter a particular place of an establishment.
 Smart Card
As for safety, planning the infrastructure of the library accordingly to the region’s geographical condition
(like ground floors should be avoided when planning a library, as it is more prone to get damaged in
flooding area), periodic mandatory checking of the building along with the proper maintenance,
specifications of materials in which the documents are placed also contribute in preserving them for
longer shelf life.

2.14 HVAC and Air conditioning


Provision for air conditioning to maintain provided with rubber shoes. The book trolleys
uniform temperature of 22kl”C and relative should be with rubber tyres. Humidity at SO& S
percent round the clock throughout the year for at least the storage space 15.2 The maximum
acceptable noise level in a where rare books, manuscripts and similar library should be 40 to 45
dB. Irreplaceable materials are stored, shall be made.

2.15 Others

2.15.1 Toilet and Water Closet


 Number of urinals = half of WC’s.
 Number of lavatories = 1 for every 50 pupils.
 For more than 300 students = 1 lavatories for every 100
pupils.
 Drinking fountain = 1 tank for 50 pupils but at least 1
tank on each floor.
 1 WC fixture for every 35 pupils.

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2.15.2 Cafeteria
• Cafe is a coffee shop which installed in the same building in the library or near the library, and
the place where people can take reading or conversation while enjoying the food and drink.

• Area per person for dining 1m2 per student.

• Area per person for kitchen .36m2 per student.

• Distance between seating should be at least 30- 36″.

• The ideal seating arrangement encourages intimate conversation while offering enough
walking space (and personal space, too) between those seated.

• The maximum amount of space should be between seating is about 8 to 10 feet.

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2.15.3 Parking
 The minimum height clearance for indoor parking space shall not be less than 2.2m.
 Minimum area for common parking allocated for each car shall not be less than 2.5m x
4.5m
 The gradient of ramp leading to parking space for occupancy type shall not be more
than 1:5.
 Area allocated for each bike and scooter shall not be less than 1.25 m2 while the same
for the cycle shall not be less than 1 m2 .

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2.16 Bye-Laws

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3. CASE STUDY
3.1 Kathmandu University Central Library

3.1.1 General Info

Location: Dhulikhel, Kavre

Ground Floor Area: 907.80 SQ M

First Floor Area: 867.35 SQ M

Top Floor Area: 514.85 SQ M

Built in: 1992-1996

Architect: Niels Axel Peterson

Climate: Temperate

Land Profile: Slope

Volume of books: 56091

CD-ROMs: 2500

Videocassettes: 200

Journal titles and newsletters: 175

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3.1.2 Description:
The library lies in the main square which is at equidistant from all major faculties.

The architecture of the Library ( or the whole university ) was highly influenced with Newari
culture. The building materials used were mainly bricks and Slate tiles left unbothered on the
outside giving it a brutal look.

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The construction of the university was done in three phases, the library building was designed
in the first phase in way to be used as both library and office building. However in the later
phases, admin block was designed in front of the library hence creating a larger space for
books.

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3.2 AFU Library

3.2.1 General info:


• Location: Rampur, Chitwan

• Area: 7500sq.ft.

• Architect: Achyut Purshottam Kanvinde

• Year: 2035-2040 BS

• Building Type: Institutional

• Structure: RCC

• No. of the Story: 2

3.2.2 Description:
It’s a University Library situated in the fertile alluvial land of Rampur, Chitwan which allows a
seating capacity for around 200 students with 30,000 volumes of books. It follows a principle of
Symmetricity and also has large openings on each side to provide ample daylight.

DESIGN CONCEPT: SYMMETRICITY, SUSTAINABILITY

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It follows a principle of Symmetricity and also has large openings on each side to provide ample
daylight along with proper ventilation making the building more sophisticated.

MATERIALS

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Brick walls and pillars, Concrete, and use of locally available materials. The color Light Brown is
used on the walls which can reduce fatigue and promotes a sense of relaxation.

FUNCTION/ CIRCULATION

Since the site is located in the sub-tropical region, the fa ade is directed to north such a way
that the building is made usable along with the hot summer days. the openings are kept in such
a way that there is no obstruction for lightning overall the building on day time i.e. the natural
light is enough for the daytime whereas maximum airflow is provided through the ventilation
and long window. Spaces are arranged in such a way that they are comfortable for readers and
walkers.

CONCLUSION

The openings on every side play in providing daylighting but due to the improper placement of
book stacks nearby the window, it blocks most of the daylight from coming inside the study
table and making the room darker. Lack of security so there’s a chance of book theft. The
vegetation is placed on either side of the building making it difficult to pass light again. But,
other than that it’s a quiet and calming space to study.

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3.3 Tama Art University Library

3.3.1 General Info:


 Location: Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
 Period: 2004.4 – 2007.2
 Site Area: 159,184.87m2
 Building Area: 2,224.59m2
 Total Floor Area: 5,639.46m2
 Architect: Toyo Ito

3.3.2 Description:

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Design Concept

● Reflect the surrounding nature.

● Interpretation of a geological cave.

● Large glass windows and “random” arches - continuous views

● Inspiration - The Mosque of Cordoba, as well as islamic patterns

● Arches derived from bezier curve

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Structural analysis

● Gravity loads would be transferred across the horizontal elements of the arches at an angle
due to the nature of the structure.

● Since the arches are continuous, the horizontal components of the tangential forces cancel
each other out much like a buttress would on a Gothic cathedral.

● The vertical components of the tangential forces flow together, thus increasing the
compressive force down through the arch column.

● The vertical loads would then continue down into the foundation of the building

Spaces:

The facade is curved in two sides, keeping a right angle at the corner with less traffic. The glass
panels are mounted on aluminum frames previously cut and folded 4mm to maintain the
curvature of the facade. Although the facade of the building is impressive, the greatest

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achievement of the construction is the interior spatial treatment, where the arches in apparent
chaos, simulated stalactites and create multiple and varied effects of perspective.

Spatial diversity is experienced when walking through the different bows and elevation changes
provide different sensations of being in a cloister filled with natural light or printing a tunnel
that can not be penetrated visually. These arcs whose width varies between 16 and 1.8 meters
in some places openly exposes the building, whichever use curtains.

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3.4 TU Delft
TU Delft is the largest technical-scientific library in the Netherlands. After being converted into
a Library Learning Center in 2010, TU Delft Library is a place for study, research and knowledge
exchange. With spaces and activities that inspire and place to relax, it is as the university library
of the future.

General info:
Location: Delft, the Netherlands

Climate: Temperate

Area: 15000 sq. m

Architect: Francine Houben, Erick Van Egeraat

Designed in: 1992

Constructed in: 1998

Architectural style: Landscape architect

People capacity: 1000 spaces among which 300


are for computer terminals.

Book capacity; 862000 books and 16000


magazines

Description:
Form Development

The acquired design material of the TU Delft Library (TUDL) is categorized in chronological
order, as there is no specific indication of when the drawings were produced. The available
material which is divided into concept, competition, and final stage, are analyzed based on how
the general theoretical parameters, turned into design principles. The basic form of rectangles
is played so wisely that the series of subtraction is done after which the cone type final form is
created.

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Case study on Library

Program Formulation

The fascinating site for the new library on the 1960s campus of the Delft University of
Technology is overshadowed by a large, Brutalist concrete auditorium from Van den Broek &
Bakema. The university needed a campus atmosphere: lawns with flowers and trees where
students and professors meet informally on broad stairs. A modern library is served by
computers; most of the books are stored in basements. It is a building where technique is
displayed. In this way the program was formulated.

Building Details and the functions

 The roof is supported by slender steel columns in a huge hall enclosed with canted, fully
glazed walls. The base of the slope to the west is marked by a broad flight of steps
leading up to a recessed entrance.

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Case study on Library
 A huge cone pierces the green
expanse. Supported on splayed
steel columns, the cone houses
four levels of traditional study
spaces are connected by a helical
stair. Within the cone, a central
void provides daylight from a
glazed roof to the internal
reading spaces. Extending forty
meters above grade and floodlit
at night, the cone acts as a
beacon on the campus day and
night.
 The density of the mass of the planted roof has significant insulating properties, so that
the interior of the building is less susceptible to changes in temperature
 The glazed facades also play a critical role in the environmental strategy of the building.
These facades consist of an outer double glazed unit, a 140 mm wide ventilated air
cavity with solar shading, and a sliding inner leaf of toughened glass. Air is supplied into
the cavity at floor level and sucked out at high level on each floor.
 The building provides approximately 1000 study
spaces, 300 of which are equipped with
computer terminals. In addition to the study
areas within the cone, spaces are provided at
ground and first floor levels adjacent to the
glazed north facade.
 In contrast, most of the books are kept in
temperature and humidity controlled
storerooms in the basement.
 Some 80,000 volumes of the most recent
publications are available to the public. These
are tangibly close at hand, displayed in a four-
story, suspended steel-framed bookcase
silhouetted against an ultramarine wall. Finally,
thousands of current periodicals are on open display at ground level.
 In addition to serving the local needs of university students and staff, the library
provides distance reference and information services for many companies and
industries.

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Case study on Library
 Designated as the national library for technical and natural sciences, the facility is also
connected electronically to major libraries around the world. The library thus satisfies
both electronic needs and the sensory pleasures
derived from being able to touch and smell the books.
 Staff offices are planned at the perimeter of the
building, rising to five stories at the southeast
corner. The east wing is designed as a double
loaded corridor with support facilities on the dark
interior side and offices along the glazed outer
edge. The offices look out through a slender
canted colonnade to a row of mature trees along
the street.
 The south wing is single loaded, with open
circulation galleries and stairs expressed within
the large central space of the library. The office
wall along this corridor is a collage of transparent
and several kinds of translucent glass, and the
exterior window wall of the offices is fully glazed.
 The rich quality of dappled light admitted into the heart of the building through
these many layers of glass helps to activate the vast interior space.
 The new library reveals itself as a building of glass and grass. The Van den Broek &
Bakema auditorium sits like a huge frog in the green grass. The vast lawn is lifted on one
edge and shapes the roof of the new library. The grass roof is freely accessible for
walking and lounging, creating a new amenity for the whole campus.

Interior Characteristics

The interior of the library is characterized by an enormous spaciousness, particularly the large,
central hall. The atmosphere in the building is warm. The floor has the colour of the Sahara and
the furniture is made of warm MDF board. The most requested books are housed in a four
storey high bookcase hanging in front of a deep blue rear wall. The hard, metal ceiling is
softened by the light coming from the columns. The lower part of the columns consists of
gratings through which warm air is blown into the building. Via glazed facades and interior
walls, a necklace of glazing placed around the cone, and the glazed roof at the apex of the cone,
daylight penetrates deep into the building. The transparency that is thus created makes the
building bright and survivable.

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Case study on Library

DESIGN FEATURES

Mecanoo design

The striking TU Delft Library building was designed by Mecanoo architects. Actually, it is not
only a building, but also a landscape.

Symbol for technology

The lawn is lifted at one point and supported by columns. The large hall that is created in this
way has glass facades. The slope is broken by a languid staircase that leads to the entrance. A
huge cone pierces through the walk able grass roof. The cone symbolizes technology and gives
shape to the round, introverted reading rooms.

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Case study on Library
Immense bookcase

The books are displayed in an immense bookcase that extends from the ground floor to the
ceiling of the fourth floor. The placement of books, magazines and computers is aligned with
the path of the light.

Energy efficient grass roof

The building uses energy efficiently. The grass roof has an insulating effect and prevents major
temperature fluctuations. The vegetation retains rainwater for a long time. Slow evaporation of
this water provides natural cooling in the summer. In addition, the grass roof provides excellent
sound insulation.

Cold and heat storage

No unsightly cooling machines on the roof, but cold storage in the groundwater keep the
building cool. Or warm, if needed. This technique saves energy. Only in the reading room is the
heat production by computers so high that separate cooling is required. The room is therefore
situated on the north facade and has an almost invisible cooling ceiling.

Climate facades

The facades have a double glass wall through which air is guided. In winter it remains pleasantly
warm in the offices, in summer pleasantly cool. As a result, no facade radiators are required
and workplaces can be located directly on the glass facade. This also results in efficient use of
space.

Climate system

The TU Delft Library uses underground cold storage. In the summer period, the relatively cold
groundwater is used to cool the building. Heat is provided by the TU Delft combined heat and
power plant. It is one of the first construction projects in the Netherlands to be designed from
an integrated vision of sustainability and innovation. The building has three important 'green'
elements: the grass roof, cold storage and climate facades.

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Case study on Library

Elevations:

Plans:

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Case study on Library

39
Case study on Library

4. Reference:
 security-systems-in-libraries-an-overview.pdf (ijlis.org)

 Safety and Security of Libraries: Challenges and Opportunities: Library & Information
Science Book Chapter | IGI Global (igi-global.com)

 Satisfaction with Natural Lighting and Ventilation in State Library Gombe, Nigeria |
Semantic Scholar

 Addressing_Energy_Efficient_Lighting_and_Ventilation_in_Libraries_A_Case_Study_
of_Peckham_Library_London_UK.pdf (globalscientificjournal.com)

 Lighting For Libraries - [PDF Document] (vdocuments.net)

 https://designinglibraries.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=249
 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353211306_LIBRARY_BUILDING_PLANNI
NG_PRINCIPLE_STANDARDS_IN_THE_PERSPECTIVE_OF_21_ST_CENTURY
 https://www.opjms.edu.in/audio-visual-
room.html#:~:text=The%20audio%2Dvisual%20room%20is,concepts%20taught%20t
hrough%20these%20aids.
 https://modelprogrammer.slks.dk/en/challenges/zones-and-spaces/the-library-as-a-
meeting-space/
 https://modelprogrammer.slks.dk/en/challenges/zones-and-spaces/the-
arrival/#:~:text=The%20arrival%20area%20is%20the,the%20library's%20spaces%20
and%20collections.
 https://library.wlu.edu/exhibits/exhibitmanual/
 https://www.educationcity.com/blog/importance-of-reading-spaces/
 https://library.neduet.edu.pk/REFERENCE%20SECTION#:~:text=The%20Reference%
20section%20of%20the,information%20on%20any%20particular%20topic
 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/3-Reference-Room-left-and-Shelby-White-
and-Leon-Levy-Reading-Room-of-the-Mertz_fig1_337404300
 https://library.cnu.edu.ph/periodical-section/
 https://uonlibrary.uonbi.ac.ke/basic-page/library-reprographic-service
 https://www.mecanoo.nl/Projects/project/27/Library-Delft-University-of-
Technology
 https://library.neduet.edu.pk/Journals
 https://www.tezu.ernet.in/Library/index.php/about-us/library-sections
 https://www.archiweb.cz/en/b/centralni-vedecka-knihovna-technicke-univerzity-v-
delftu
 https://www.tudelft.nl/library/over-de-library/over-het-gebouw/het-ontwerp

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Case study on Library
 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wbdg.org%2Fspace-
types%2Flibrary%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0Rvikpl7T6T34MFNgBjHOYjQheZ0hBysN1gtiWTkKgXr
7otDP3DBSpHGg&h=AT0_7Xyt9DXWhqwcSvkYW7O4J30bv0tnKqeKT6OF0t5LhUNYBNdZ
z9bpUSuYvZy-GDamCBiKEUrPovfKNRF5D9X0kj093oTLfYdKQ-mRkrBCD-
dAVlSRcUTBEu0UzGfemN9CkA
 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fmnl.mclinc.org%2Fwp-
content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F05%2Fspaceplanningguide.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2hjAc
9WI3FBFU5yXrqDZxG2VxSCM2W_b2AtkbfQcRUplCNEMbMrQkAUj0&h=AT0_7Xyt9DXW
hqwcSvkYW7O4J30bv0tnKqeKT6OF0t5LhUNYBNdZz9bpUSuYvZy-
GDamCBiKEUrPovfKNRF5D9X0kj093oTLfYdKQ-mRkrBCD-dAVlSRcUTBEu0UzGfemN9CkA
 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flaw.resource.org%2Fpub%2Fin%2Fbis
%2FS03%2Fis.1553.1989.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2D5ji2ZPC-XhK5orM-
IpW6R_khNXxAADkjGmBXCWZCtD538X2zmvIFxVQ&h=AT0_7Xyt9DXWhqwcSvkYW7O4J
30bv0tnKqeKT6OF0t5LhUNYBNdZz9bpUSuYvZy-
GDamCBiKEUrPovfKNRF5D9X0kj093oTLfYdKQ-mRkrBCD-dAVlSRcUTBEu0UzGfemN9CkA
 https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Flaw.resource.org%2Fpub%2Fin%2Fbis
%2FS03%2Fis.1553.1989.pdf%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0lwHKjcfzTaIOn8U6_9lmlujjeSw0lbvDpX
KyLNGnCgzU5grVDRQmSVYM&h=AT0_7Xyt9DXWhqwcSvkYW7O4J30bv0tnKqeKT6OF0t
5LhUNYBNdZz9bpUSuYvZy-GDamCBiKEUrPovfKNRF5D9X0kj093oTLfYdKQ-mRkrBCD-
dAVlSRcUTBEu0UzGfemN9CkA\

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