Nakano City Ekoda Library Children's Corner

This project involved concept design, interiors renovation, and environmental features of the children's corner of Nakano City Ekoda Library, located in a quiet residential area and where children from the neighborhood gather.
On the first floor, we replaced the old interiors materials with new ones and created a bookshelf unique to the children's corner, where large books and picture-story shows can be stored. We also created a magazine area for parents to enjoy, creating a space where parents and children can spend time together. In this space, where children are greeted by the library's original characters, "Shishimaru" and "Egotan," based on the "Ekoda Lion Dance," an intangible folk cultural property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, we aimed to give children the impression that the library is a fun place.
On the second floor, we installed a new counter and chairs. By using acrylic material for part of the counter, it has become a space where you can quietly read while feeling the faint warmth of the sunlight.

1. Preparation of interiors and fixtures: Designing bookshelves that can accommodate the various book sizes unique to the children's corner, such as large books and picture-story shows. Also, preparing interiors so that children can use it safely.
②Desired space: To design a bright, playful space that makes people want to read books in the library.
3) Use of local wood: From the perspective of wood education, we will use "wood from Tama" grown in the Tama region of Tokyo. (An initiative to utilize the forestry environment donation tax)
There were more requests than this.

①After extensive discussions with Nakano City and Ekoda Library, we concept design, produced and constructed interiors and construction, taking into consideration the safety of children and operational aspects.
②Taking into consideration that this is a location where sunlight does not easily enter, we used the accent color yellow, an acrylic inlay concept design, and original characters to create a space that is not only bright but also playful.
③This project was implemented as a project utilizing the forestry environment grant tax of Nakano Ward. By using materials from Tama (cedar), the library is a place where you can feel the gentle color and scent of wood while spending time there.