Hello. This is Fujiwara from the production department.
Currently, as a member of Monosus, I am based at an IT company client's site, but previously I worked for a custom home builder, promoting their products.
What kind of home will you create by taking advantage of the product's features?
As I watched people live in the "box" that the client and architectural team had painstakingly completed from concept to completion, and it became a "home," I became interested in the fact that the quality of a building depends not only on the completeness of the box, but also on the people who use it.
This time, I would like to think about what makes a good building.
What is a good building?
In my opinion, one of the conditions for a "good building" is whether the building blends into the local lifestyle and whether the characteristics of the "people" and "building" match.
For example, the Kanazawa Umimirai Library in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Kanazawa Umimirai Library ( https://www.lib.kanazawa.ishikawa.jp/?page_id=151 )
This public library, designed by Coelacanth K&H (the architectural unit of Kudo Kazumi and Horiba Hiroshi), appears suddenly in the middle of a low-rise residential area as a large, white, square structure with holes all over its walls.
Although the building looks unusual, it is not intimidating, and the comfort inside is unique. It is a bright and spacious space that feels like the ocean, and the atmosphere of users quietly concentrating on their own time matches perfectly with the atmosphere, making it a place filled with a sense of security. As many of the users are children, this library is probably well-liked by locals and well-used. It was a nice, calm building.
Recently, I visited the Taipei Municipal Library Beitou Branch in Taiwan at the beginning of this year, so I would like to introduce it to you as well.
The world is paying attention! "Taipei Municipal Library Beitou Branch"
The Taipei Municipal Library Beitou Branch is a three-story wooden building. Its gently sloping roof, wide balcony, and large windows are impressive. The library has been attracting attention from around the world, having been ranked in the "Top 20 Most Beautiful Libraries in the World." The contrast between the greenery of the grove and the new, sharp wooden architecture creates a harmonious balance between the natural materials while highlighting each other.
It is located within the park of Beitou Hot Springs, Taiwan's leading hot spring town, about a 10-minute walk from the nearest Xinbeitou Station.
Even in the middle of winter in January, the lush greenery is a testament to the tropical nature of Taiwan. The library is located in a park surrounded by trees and a river.
This library is also attracting attention as an example of ecological architecture.
Its unique shape makes it a logical choice for eco-architecture.
The wide roof is fitted with solar panels to generate electricity for the building, and rainwater collected on the slope is recycled and used for toilet drainage and plants. The large eaves and balcony are intended to block the strong Taiwanese sunlight and create distance from the building, thereby mitigating the effects of the outside air.
There is a table and chairs on the balcony, so you can bring out a book and read it there.
Unfortunately it was raining, but it was still lovely to read under the large eaves and listen to the sound of the rain.
You can feel nature with the greenery visible through the large windows and the breeze on your skin.
I visited in January, a time when air conditioning or heating wasn't needed, but I imagine that even in mid-summer the pleasant natural air would still be coming in.
The library is arranged around a large atrium and has three floors: the first floor is for children's books, and the second and third floors are for general books.
Once inside the building, you will be greeted by a large atrium.
The bookshelves are low and provide an open view.
All the bookshelves except for those along the walls are set low, so adults' eyes are at the top of the shelves.
This makes the space feel spacious, and although the floor is by no means large, it doesn't feel cramped or closed in at all. I also like the warm colors of the lights in the building, which are relaxing.
As it is a famous building, there were many tourists, but it seemed that there were more locals than tourists. Every seat was full, and people of all ages, from children to adults, were using it.
This library has a different atmosphere from the Kanazawa Umimirai Library in Kanazawa introduced at the beginning of this article, but the architecture has been carefully designed to create a comfortable space, and users are making full use of the space to their heart's content, making this another fine building.
If I may say so, I feel that there is more that this building can convey to the world as "eco-architecture." Why is a building like this needed now? How does it fulfill its role? If we can communicate these things clearly, I think that with the large number of visitors, it could become an opportunity to raise eco-consciousness in society.
A "good building" is not just about the box.
I believe that a building can be called a "good building" when the building and the people in it are in harmony with each other.
Even if a building is beautiful, if the people and the building do not match, or if the building does not fulfill the role that was expected of it, then the building may be "beautiful architecture" but not a "good building."
Thinking about it again, it might be said that things are really interesting after they are completed.
Taiwan, a short story.
What did you think of the Taipei Municipal Library Beitou Branch ?
If you have a trip to Taiwan, be sure to stop by!
There are many other interesting things to see in Taiwan. I would like to introduce some interesting spots and recommended foods.
1. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park: a renovated factory
This facility was renovated from a tobacco factory that was in operation during the Japanese colonial period. As it was a former factory, the grounds are quite large.
Inside, there is an exhibition and sales space for works by contemporary artists, a cafe, a bookstore, an art gallery, and a members-only library, making it a place where modern culture comes together.
Historical old buildings are being reborn as new places to share local culture. The contrast between the old and the new in Taiwan is what makes the Songshan Cultural and Creative District so interesting, and I think that's why it's so popular with so many young people.
(I visited late in the day when it was raining, so next time I'd like to go during the day.)
2. Taiwanese cuisine
Food is one of the joys of traveling! We will introduce some recommended foods.
Stir-fried green vegetables
In Taiwan, "greens" refers to water spinach. It's available in every restaurant. It has a delicious crunchy texture. It has a strong garlic flavor, but is generally lightly salted. Although it is lightly seasoned, the taste varies depending on the restaurant, so it's fun to enjoy it and say, "I like this restaurant."
Fuzhou Original Pepper Bun
Near Longshan Temple, a famous power spot, you'll find Fuzhou Original Pepper Bing, down a back alley that makes you wonder if it's really safe to go in.
We recommend eating this in the morning when you feel a bit hungry after visiting Longshan Temple. You can probably imagine what spicy oyaki is like. With the aroma of pepper and just the right amount of volume, it's a great snack to make you feel a little happy.
Mu-ro pot
The design department's Uemori recommended the Murou Nabe as "really delicious." As expected, it was a really delicious hotpot. You can add your favorite ingredients, such as vegetables and meat, to the soup, which is full of herbal medicines and spices. It's healthy, delicious, and filling. The unique herbal medicine has a taste that you won't find in Japan.
Enjoy the authentic taste in Taiwan!
Rice and braised pork bowl
This is a type of food stall. I forgot the name of the stall or the name of the menu item, but the richly seasoned braised pork and boiled egg, and the rice drenched in the soup, gave it a real B-grade gourmet feel that was irresistible.
Taiwanese street food is a must-try!
That's all for today.
When looking at a building, I think it would be interesting to consider not only the completeness of the actual structure, but also the relationship with the people and the climate, and think about whether you feel it is "good." I hope that this article will be an opportunity for readers to add a new perspective to their "way of looking at things."
I would like to continue to visit various places not only in Japan but also around the world to develop my own sensibilities.
FUJIWARA Marie
I oversee the creative direction of various productions.