Nakano City Ekoda Library Children's Corner

This project involved concept design, renovating interiors, and environmental features for the children's corner of the Nakano City Egota Library, located in a quiet residential area where children from the neighborhood gather.
On the first floor, we replaced the aging interiors materials and created bookshelves unique to the children's corner, capable of accommodating large books and picture stories. We also created a magazine area for parents to enjoy, creating a space where families can spend time together. In this space, where the library's original characters "Shishimaru" and "Egotan," based on the "Egota Lion Dance," a Tokyo Metropolitan Government-designated intangible folk cultural property, welcome visitors, we aimed to give children the impression that the library is a fun place.
On the second floor, we've installed a new counter and chairs. By using acrylic material for part of the counter, we've created a space where you can quietly read while faintly feeling the warmth of the sunlight.

① interiors and fixtures: Design bookshelves that can accommodate various book sizes unique to a children's corner, such as large books and picture books. Also, ensure interiors is designed to be safe for children to use.
② Desired space: To design a bright and playful space that makes people want to read books in the library.
③ Use of local timber: From the perspective of wood education, we will use "Tama-grown timber" that grows in the Tama region of Tokyo. (This initiative is part of a project utilizing the Forest Environment Transfer Tax.)
The above requests were received.

① We held numerous discussions with Nakano Ward and the staff of Egota Library, and designed, concept design, and construction interiors and furnishings with consideration for the safety of the children and the operational aspects of the library.
②Taking into consideration that it is a place where sunlight does not easily enter, we incorporated yellow as an accent color, acrylic concept design, and original characters to create a space that is not only bright but also playful.
③This project was implemented as part of Nakano Ward's Forest Environment Transfer Tax utilization program. By using Tama-grown timber (cedar), the library has become a place where people can enjoy the gentle colors and scent of wood while spending time there.