Abbotsford Children's Library

Abbotsford Children’s Library Designed by Hizkia Irwanto Gouw

The Unsung Concept of Beauty underlying the term ‘Environmental Sustainability’ In my opinion, design could reflect the concept of beauty.

I always tend to make something that has a notion of beauty. However, now that the world has been rapidly evolving, anything can be considered as a top notch design as long as it shows a special meaning, even if it seems meaningless to many. Thus, I think I have to become more open minded now, that is, I could follow that savage rule.

Another thing that concerns me is the environmental issues. It seems to me that these issues, which were only being discussed in the first place, or even neglected at times, has begun to be one of the main problem in the world of design. It is true that to solve this problem, designers have to focus more towards environmental issues rather than just beautiful design or ugly design.

However, my heart is not 100% convinced about the idea. This does not suit my aim as I have a different way of solving it. I believe that both environmental sustainability and beauty can work together. I believe I could show people that the notion of beauty does not have to fade nor diminished when taking environmental issues into consideration.

Hizkia Irwanto Gouw

HDINTD 221 - Interior Design Studio - Virtual Spaces Lecturer : Anita Budai Thursday 5.30pm - 8.30pm Hizkia Irwanto Gouw 6536514

Abbotsford Children’s Library

by Hizkia Irwanto Gouw

Table of Contents

Introduction...........................................................2 Initial Idea Task 1.......................................................4 Task 2.......................................................5 Task 3.......................................................6 Task 4.......................................................7 Manifesto..................................................8 Project’s Brief Purpose...................................................10 Target Users............................................11 Location...................................................12 Design development.............................................14-16 Documentation Floor Plan................................................18 Elevations North Elevation...........................19 South Elevation...........................20 East Elevation.............................21 West Elevation............................22 Sections Section A.....................................23 Section B.....................................24 Perspective Drawings Perspective Drawing 1................25 Perspective Drawing 2................26 Technical Drawings Floor and Pilotis Detail................27 Green Roof Detail.......................28 Photo Model Exterior.....................................................30-31 Interior......................................................32-36 1

Abbotsford Children’s Library

by Hizkia Irwanto Gouw

Introduction Library services for children have never been as important for children and their families all over the world, as they are as at today. Access to the knowledge and the multicultural riches of the world, as well as life-long learning and literacy skills have become the priorities of our society. A quality children’s library equips them with vital life-long learning and literacy skills, enabling them to participate and contribute to the community. It should constantly respond to the increasing changes in the society and meet the information, cultural and entertainment needs of all children. Every child should be familiar and comfortable with the local library and possess the skills to find their way around libraries in general.

Hence, the Abbotsford Children’s Library, located in the top of Children Health Care will have a strong relationship to the site, as both of them share the same purpose in helping to fulfil the children’s needs.

Furthermore, in term of designing, this Abbotsford Children’s Library was build by recognizing the term of ‘sustainability’ whereby it is recognized from its two key strategies, which are passive strategy and active strategy, Firstly, the passive strategy means the maximization in the amount of windows, to allow sunlight to penetrate the library, as it will reduce the need of utilizing artificial light.

Therefore, it will allow a good air circulation inside the library. Next, the active strategy refers to the use of green roofs and material that will not harm environment. One such as bamboos are considered environmentally friendly, and were used as finishes used in covering the wall and floor.

Moreover, Abbotsford Children’s Library was also made by including the concept of ‘beauty’ which was realized by the usage of natural material and the overall shape of the building. The natural material will give the feel of of an outdoor space which I regard as beauty. Furthermore, the curve shape that was used for the green roof allows it to blend with nature. Somehow, I could compare such usage of nature elements as to the term ‘beauty’.

Most importantly, I hope the Abbotsford Children’s library could fulfil the needs of children to learn and discover more knowledge.

Regards,

Hizkia Irwanto Gouw 2

Initial ldea

Introduction Library services for children have never been as important for children and their families all over the world, as they are as at today. Access to the knowledge and the multicultural riches of the world, as well as life-long learning and literacy skills have become the priorities of our society. A quality children’s library equips them with vital life-long learning and literacy skills, enabling them to participate and contribute to the community. It should constantly respond to the increasing changes in the society and meet the information, cultural and entertainment needs of all children. Every child should be familiar and comfortable with the local library and possess the skills to find their way around libraries in general.

Hence, the Abbotsford Children’s Library, located in the top of Children Health Care will have a strong relationship to the site, as both of them share the same purpose in helping to fulfil the children’s needs.

Furthermore, in term of designing, this Abbotsford Children’s Library was build by recognizing the term of ‘sustainability’ whereby it is recognized from its two key strategies, which are passive strategy and active strategy, Firstly, the passive strategy means the maximization in the amount of windows, to allow sunlight to penetrate the library, as it will reduce the need of utilizing artificial light.

Therefore, it will allow a good air circulation inside the library. Next, the active strategy refers to the use of green roofs and material that will not harm environment. One such as bamboos are considered environmentally friendly, and were used as finishes used in covering the wall and floor.

Moreover, Abbotsford Children’s Library was also made by including the concept of ‘beauty’ which was realized by the usage of natural material and the overall shape of the building. The natural material will give the feel of of an outdoor space which I regard as beauty. Furthermore, the curve shape that was used for the green roof allows it to blend with nature. Somehow, I could compare such usage of nature elements as to the term ‘beauty’.

Most importantly, I hope the Abbotsford Children’s library could fulfil the needs of children to learn and discover more knowledge.

Regards,

Hizkia Irwanto Gouw 2

Initial ldea

Task 1

In this task, i have done a response to the Strength in Number Manifesto. I illustrated that every piece in sentence are different but they are connected to each other. Therefore i made a puzzle with different pieces having different colours and numbers, whihc represent their differences. However although each piece are different they still can be combined together to become a whole puzzle.

4

Task 2

The poster (on the left) is my second task, which is an object manifesto. I chose a recycle paper that i found at my house, i found it really interesting to explore with it. So i searched more information about recycle, especially with the prefix re- in the words. I connected those words in relative to what they are normaly used in daily life, and also in the design term. Thus, basically this word was the initial idea of my manifesto, which acted as a brief to my project.

5

Task 1

In this task, i have done a response to the Strength in Number Manifesto. I illustrated that every piece in sentence are different but they are connected to each other. Therefore i made a puzzle with different pieces having different colours and numbers, whihc represent their differences. However although each piece are different they still can be combined together to become a whole puzzle.

4

Task 2

The poster (on the left) is my second task, which is an object manifesto. I chose a recycle paper that i found at my house, i found it really interesting to explore with it. So i searched more information about recycle, especially with the prefix re- in the words. I connected those words in relative to what they are normaly used in daily life, and also in the design term. Thus, basically this word was the initial idea of my manifesto, which acted as a brief to my project.

5

Task 3

These are the images from visual images essay task. In this task i tried to brainstorm the word ‘re-cycle’ in relation to daily life world. I have done wide range research about it, from the raw material (trees), manufacturing, daily use (books, poster, magazine), the recycling process, until the final re-cycle product. It gives me a good understanding through the process of recycle. Moreover, in term of architecture, i found Shigeru Ban, who is one of the architects that used re-cycled material as their main material into becomes a magnificent building. Paper house and Paper Church are the examples of his project that shown his passion into this problem, which is an environmental issue. It makes me realize that even with re-cycle material you can create such a beauty building. It really knocks my head; it gives me a basic idea about my manifesto.

6

Task 4

Abbotsford Victoria 3067

These images are come from my exploration in the Abbotsford, the area which is my project located. In this poster, I tried to show my journey in Abbotsford, as the photos were taken from afternoon until dark. Moreover, I can say that Abbotsford is mainly a residential area so it is considered as a quite area. Furthermore, during my site visit, I also capture some beautiful building. Mainly the buildings in Abbotsford are a historical building, which are shown by their old style. Furthermore, I also found that Abbotsford have a massive areas of garden, which gives me more inspiration about create something that is relate to the nature.

7

Task 3

These are the images from visual images essay task. In this task i tried to brainstorm the word ‘re-cycle’ in relation to daily life world. I have done wide range research about it, from the raw material (trees), manufacturing, daily use (books, poster, magazine), the recycling process, until the final re-cycle product. It gives me a good understanding through the process of recycle. Moreover, in term of architecture, i found Shigeru Ban, who is one of the architects that used re-cycled material as their main material into becomes a magnificent building. Paper house and Paper Church are the examples of his project that shown his passion into this problem, which is an environmental issue. It makes me realize that even with re-cycle material you can create such a beauty building. It really knocks my head; it gives me a basic idea about my manifesto.

6

Task 4

Abbotsford Victoria 3067

These images are come from my exploration in the Abbotsford, the area which is my project located. In this poster, I tried to show my journey in Abbotsford, as the photos were taken from afternoon until dark. Moreover, I can say that Abbotsford is mainly a residential area so it is considered as a quite area. Furthermore, during my site visit, I also capture some beautiful building. Mainly the buildings in Abbotsford are a historical building, which are shown by their old style. Furthermore, I also found that Abbotsford have a massive areas of garden, which gives me more inspiration about create something that is relate to the nature.

7

Manifesto The concept of Beauty underlying the term ‘Environmnental Sustainability’ In my opinion, design could reflect the concept of beauty. I always tend to make something that has a notion of beauty. However, now that the world has been rapidly evolving, anything can be considered as a top notch design as long as it shows a special meaning, even if it seems meaningless to many. Thus, I think I have to become more open minded now, that is, I could follow that savage rule.

Another thing that concerns me is the environmental issues. It seems to me that these issues, which were only being discussed in the first place, or even neglected at times, has begun to be one of the main problem in the world of design. It is true that to solve this problem, designers have to focus more towards environmental issues rather than just beautiful design or ugly design. However, my heart is not 100% convinced about the idea. This does not suit my aim as I have a different way of solving it. I believe that both environmental sustainability and beauty can work together. I believe I could show people that the notion of beauty does not have to fade nor diminished when taking environmental issues into consideration.

8

Project’s Brief

Manifesto The concept of Beauty underlying the term ‘Environmnental Sustainability’ In my opinion, design could reflect the concept of beauty. I always tend to make something that has a notion of beauty. However, now that the world has been rapidly evolving, anything can be considered as a top notch design as long as it shows a special meaning, even if it seems meaningless to many. Thus, I think I have to become more open minded now, that is, I could follow that savage rule.

Another thing that concerns me is the environmental issues. It seems to me that these issues, which were only being discussed in the first place, or even neglected at times, has begun to be one of the main problem in the world of design. It is true that to solve this problem, designers have to focus more towards environmental issues rather than just beautiful design or ugly design. However, my heart is not 100% convinced about the idea. This does not suit my aim as I have a different way of solving it. I believe that both environmental sustainability and beauty can work together. I believe I could show people that the notion of beauty does not have to fade nor diminished when taking environmental issues into consideration.

8

Project’s Brief

Mission

My aim is to make a children’s library that could provide a wide range of materials and activities, while at the same time able to give opportunities for children to experience the excitement of reading, discovering new knowledge and let their imagination flows. Moreover, Abbotsford Children’s Library was built by considering the term ‘sustainability’ and also the concept of beauty, which was realized by the use of natural materials and through the overall shape of the building.

10

Target Users

Target Users: Target groups welcomed to Abbotsford Children’s Library, either individually or in groups, include: • babies and toddlers • pre-school children • school children up to 15 (Teenagers) • special needs groups • parents and other family members • caregivers • other adults working with children, books and media.

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Mission

My aim is to make a children’s library that could provide a wide range of materials and activities, while at the same time able to give opportunities for children to experience the excitement of reading, discovering new knowledge and let their imagination flows. Moreover, Abbotsford Children’s Library was built by considering the term ‘sustainability’ and also the concept of beauty, which was realized by the use of natural materials and through the overall shape of the building.

10

Target Users

Target Users: Target groups welcomed to Abbotsford Children’s Library, either individually or in groups, include: • babies and toddlers • pre-school children • school children up to 15 (Teenagers) • special needs groups • parents and other family members • caregivers • other adults working with children, books and media.

11

Location

Gahan Reserve The Abbotsford Children’s Library is allocated on the Gahan Reserve, Park St, Abbotsford, Victoria. It is placed at the top of Abbotsford Child Health Care, which could give a strong relation to the site as both of them are neccesities for children. The site is surrounded by massive area of park as it could give a feel of the environment, which could suit my manifesto. Moreover, the site is also just behind the Collingwood Station, which makes the library accessible.

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Design Development

Location

Gahan Reserve The Abbotsford Children’s Library is allocated on the Gahan Reserve, Park St, Abbotsford, Victoria. It is placed at the top of Abbotsford Child Health Care, which could give a strong relation to the site as both of them are neccesities for children. The site is surrounded by massive area of park as it could give a feel of the environment, which could suit my manifesto. Moreover, the site is also just behind the Collingwood Station, which makes the library accessible.

12

Design Development

Design Development

Firstly, i sketch some possibilities for my Library, basically just the initial idea of it. At first my basic concern was at how to extent the building without reinforce the existing building, which is finally solved by the use of ramp and pilotis. Moreover, in this phase, i still brainstorm my idea of children library.

14

Design Development

Next, I more focused on the shape of the building. I tried different shape and design concept (shown in images above). Which in that time, it still did not work into my manifesto.

15

Design Development

Firstly, i sketch some possibilities for my Library, basically just the initial idea of it. At first my basic concern was at how to extent the building without reinforce the existing building, which is finally solved by the use of ramp and pilotis. Moreover, in this phase, i still brainstorm my idea of children library.

14

Design Development

Next, I more focused on the shape of the building. I tried different shape and design concept (shown in images above). Which in that time, it still did not work into my manifesto.

15

Design Development

This is basically where my idea came from. After struggling to find a shape that represents the nature, i finally come up with this idea, a curve shape on my roof which will give the sense of blending with the nature. Then, i played with my floor plan to find a plan that will cover all children’s needs and also the plan that will suit perfectly to the site. Thus, the idea of my plan came from the exploration of overlapping the box as shown in the images.

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Documentation

Design Development

This is basically where my idea came from. After struggling to find a shape that represents the nature, i finally come up with this idea, a curve shape on my roof which will give the sense of blending with the nature. Then, i played with my floor plan to find a plan that will cover all children’s needs and also the plan that will suit perfectly to the site. Thus, the idea of my plan came from the exploration of overlapping the box as shown in the images.

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Documentation

Floor Plan

Legend

18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ramp Main entrance Lobby/waiting room Receptionist Computers Discussion area Toddle library

8 9 10 11 12 13

Activity room Teenagers library Study area Male/Female toilet Fire Door Stair

North Elevation

19

Floor Plan

Legend

18

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Ramp Main entrance Lobby/waiting room Receptionist Computers Discussion area Toddle library

8 9 10 11 12 13

Activity room Teenagers library Study area Male/Female toilet Fire Door Stair

North Elevation

19

South Elevation

20

East Elevation

21

South Elevation

20

East Elevation

21

West Elevation

22

Section

1:100

23

West Elevation

22

Section

1:150

23

Section

1:150

24

Perspective Drawing

25

Section

1:150

24

Perspective Drawing

25

Perspective Drawing

26

Technical Drawing

27

Perspective Drawing

26

Technical Drawing

27

Technical Drawing

28

Photo Model

Technical Drawing

28

Photo Model

Exterior As it is a library that was built by largely considering the term ‘sustainability’, there are are few strategies that are used to tackle this issue. First, the library is built without refurbishing the existing building, so it could keep the function of its existing building, which is a children healthcare.

Next, this building is using the material that will not harm the environment.

Bamboo finishes will cover floor and wall, as bamboo is one of the environmentally friendly material. Moreover, it is also constructed through timber framing. So basically all of the materials do come from nature.

Furthermore, the green roof is used to keep the temperature within the place constant as it will minimize the power consumption of the building. It could also capture the rainwater runoff.

Next, by maximising the amount of window, the need of consuming electrity for artificial lighting will be reduced.Additionally, it could also creates a good air circulation, which is beneficial to the children.

The term of ‘beauty’ is associated to nature. Beauty is reflected in this building as it is mainly built by natural materials. Moreover, the shape of the building that has the curve shape,allows it to blend well with nature.

30

Exterior

In relation to the structure of the library, the pilotis will sustain the weight of the building, as i do not want to reinforce the existing building.

Moreover, as for the entrace i made use of ramps as it is safer than stairs and perfect for a children’s library. Another point to note, the ramp has a 1.5m barrier to reduce the probability of an accident. Additionally, this ramp is also made to compliment the needs of disabled children.

Furthermore, since it is a public space, i made a back door or fire door in the east side of the building.

31

Exterior As it is a library that was built by largely considering the term ‘sustainability’, there are are few strategies that are used to tackle this issue. First, the library is built without refurbishing the existing building, so it could keep the function of its existing building, which is a children healthcare.

Next, this building is using the material that will not harm the environment.

Bamboo finishes will cover floor and wall, as bamboo is one of the environmentally friendly material. Moreover, it is also constructed through timber framing. So basically all of the materials do come from nature.

Furthermore, the green roof is used to keep the temperature within the place constant as it will minimize the power consumption of the building. It could also capture the rainwater runoff.

Next, by maximising the amount of window, the need of consuming electrity for artificial lighting will be reduced.Additionally, it could also creates a good air circulation, which is beneficial to the children.

The term of ‘beauty’ is associated to nature. Beauty is reflected in this building as it is mainly built by natural materials. Moreover, the shape of the building that has the curve shape,allows it to blend well with nature.

30

Exterior

In relation to the structure of the library, the pilotis will sustain the weight of the building, as i do not want to reinforce the existing building.

Moreover, as for the entrace i made use of ramps as it is safer than stairs and perfect for a children’s library. Another point to note, the ramp has a 1.5m barrier to reduce the probability of an accident. Additionally, this ramp is also made to compliment the needs of disabled children.

Furthermore, since it is a public space, i made a back door or fire door in the east side of the building.

31

Interior

The images above show the interior design of the activity rooms. It was made for the purpose of fulfilling the children activities. Thus, this room can be used for studying, reading a book, playing, or other educational purposes. It is designed in minimalist way as to increase the space to fit two tables (which can be easily moved around should there be a need of bigger space) and one book shelf.

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Interior

These are the pictures of the toddler area, which is designed specially to meet toddlers’ needs. Therefore, there will be one short and round table, as a place for their activities. Moreover, the height for the book shelves is constructed in consideration for the small age children to be able to reach.

33

Interior

The images above show the interior design of the activity rooms. It was made for the purpose of fulfilling the children activities. Thus, this room can be used for studying, reading a book, playing, or other educational purposes. It is designed in minimalist way as to increase the space to fit two tables (which can be easily moved around should there be a need of bigger space) and one book shelf.

32

Interior

These are the pictures of the toddler area, which is designed specially to meet toddlers’ needs. Therefore, there will be one short and round table, as a place for their activities. Moreover, the height for the book shelves is constructed in consideration for the small age children to be able to reach.

33

Interior

The images were taken in the center area of the library, or asi refer to the main area of the library. There is a computer area which could fit eight people, which will be placed surrounding one big collumn. Moreover there is also a table for children’s basic activities. These two areas are located in the center of the library , which will make it easier for children to use it. Additionally, the another reason will be due to the fact that it will be the most busy area, thus making it better for it to placed in the center. Also, the area is equipped with a number of windows, sustainably providing sufficient ventilation.

Therefore, it could be considered ergonomically efficient as sunlight and fresh air have a way through the area. Thus it will give the children the feel of an open space.

34

Interior

This is the view of the teenagers’ area. It uses more spaces, as there are more needs to allocate the books, which reflects the need of more book shelves. Moreover there are also small tables for them which could satisfy the needs of more private spaces for studying.

35

Interior

The images were taken in the center area of the library, or asi refer to the main area of the library. There is a computer area which could fit eight people, which will be placed surrounding one big collumn. Moreover there is also a table for children’s basic activities. These two areas are located in the center of the library , which will make it easier for children to use it. Additionally, the another reason will be due to the fact that it will be the most busy area, thus making it better for it to placed in the center. Also, the area is equipped with a number of windows, sustainably providing sufficient ventilation.

Therefore, it could be considered ergonomically efficient as sunlight and fresh air have a way through the area. Thus it will give the children the feel of an open space.

34

Interior

This is the view of the teenagers’ area. It uses more spaces, as there are more needs to allocate the books, which reflects the need of more book shelves. Moreover there are also small tables for them which could satisfy the needs of more private spaces for studying.

35

Interior

As it is a library, so there is a need for reception desk, which is located in the area near the entrance, so it could be easier for the child to see it when they are going in or out of the library. Furthermore, there is also a lobby, preferably for the parents to waiting for their children; it is placed beside the entrance, so they do not have to follow their children when they are in the library. However, the lobby still located in the place where the parents can keep their eye to their children. In addition, the toilet will be placed beside the receptionist and near the exit door.

36

Thanks

Interior

As it is a library, so there is a need for reception desk, which is located in the area near the entrance, so it could be easier for the child to see it when they are going in or out of the library. Furthermore, there is also a lobby, preferably for the parents to waiting for their children; it is placed beside the entrance, so they do not have to follow their children when they are in the library. However, the lobby still located in the place where the parents can keep their eye to their children. In addition, the toilet will be placed beside the receptionist and near the exit door.

36

Thanks

My aim is to make a children’s library that could provide a wide range of materials and activities, while at the same time able to give opportunities for children to experience the excitement of reading, discovering new knowledge and let their imagination flows. Moreover, Abbotsford Children’s Library was built by considering the term ‘sustainability’ and also the concept of beauty, which was realized by the use of natural materials and through the overall shape of the building.