A beautiful children's library by Tadao Ando, in Tokyo...

Tadao Ando is a legendary Japanese architect, someone Lateral Paul has spoken to me about for years, literally. So to see the International Children's Library (and thanks to Shingo for taking me there) was a major design and creative moment for me. Located within Ueno Park in Tokyo, the International Library of Children's Literature is a renovation and expansion of the former Imperial Library built in 1906 and expanded in 1929. (This next part is courtesy www.galinsky.com, for those who know design/architecture): The subtle interventions of Ando create a dynamic juxtaposition between the old and the new while creating the first national library dedicated to children's literature.

Whatever your knowledge of design etc, one thing stands out- the dedication of the local government to inspire children about books and reading, especially crucial in a techno age where finger-tapping on smartphones is the order of the day and turning a page is fast becoming obsolete ...

The facade....

Inside....the play of light is beautiful and note the chair designs....

Glass wrapped around an ancient staircase....feeling Paris here, there & everywhere...

A wonderful experience for kids....to be surrounded by such creativity is so amazing- they're absorbing top end design without even realizing it...

Looking into the research room...note the circular lines inside...

Kids have everything at their disposal here...and again, stylish chairs...

Hello Kitty & origami on the Librarian's desk...just perfect...

The International Library of Children's Literature

12-49 Ueno Park

Taito-ku, Tokyo

110-0007 Japan

Easy to find on the Metro as well....enjoy!

 

Posted with Blogsy