Morioka City Library reopens after renovation - a library where knowledge and people of Morioka naturally gather, connect, and circulate to the local community | NOMURA was in charge of planning, design, production, and construction of the interior space

After being closed due to deterioration, Morioka City Library reopened on April 2, 2024. The concept of the library is "A library where knowledge circulates and people and the city grow freely." Like the ecosystem of the Takamatsu Pond that spreads out before them, the library aims to be a place where Morioka's knowledge and people naturally gather, connect, and circulate to the local community. NOMURA was responsible for the planning, design, production, and construction of the facility's interior space, as well as the VI such as the logo.
 

entrance
Left: Step Gallery is a space for disseminating information other than books, and holds seasonal displays.
Right: Morioka Salon, a cultural activity hub for local people that creates new knowledge about Morioka    



2F Children's Library
This is a library for parents and children to relax and enjoy themselves in a friendly space that incorporates motifs of Morioka's nature and animals, where they can encounter exciting books. The fabric canopy in the center of the Children's Library was made by holding a workshop for local parents and children, who all painted it green together.
 

3F Takamatsu Lounge
The "theme bookshelves" categorized by theme, such as child-rearing, medical care, and nursing care, radiate out from the original rotating bookshelves. There is also a gallery where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the area around the library, and the space is like a town lounge where visitors can relax and unwind.



Left: 3rd floor reading space
This is a relaxing reading space by the Takamatsu Pond where you can study while looking out at the scenery that changes with the seasons. We have enriched the various spaces where you can spend your time as you like while feeling the rich natural environment of the surrounding area from inside the library.

Right: 3F Danran Learning Terrace
Located by the south-facing windows, this study space is like a terrace where students can do group work surrounded by sunlight throughout the day. The furniture is made from Tendo Mokko, which has been repaired and is currently in use.

Statement, logo, main visual, etc.
Brand statement, logo mark, main visual, etc.

We worked with local creative firm homesickdesign on the logo, main visuals, graphic patterns within the library, and signs. The logo is concept design that is characteristic of Morioka City Library, with flying birds and the silhouette of an open book superimposed on top of each other. It is our hope that, like the swans and various wild birds that visit Takamatsu Pond, the knowledge and people of Morioka will naturally gather at the library and spread their wings and fly to new lands (knowledge) through various activities.

Project Contact
  
As Morioka City Library is a renovation project, we have focused on creating a space that will be loved by both long-time users and newcomers. We hope that this library will continue to be a hub for the community 10 or 50 years from now, and that it will become a facility that fosters richer encounters between books and people than ever before.