"Activating urban voids beneath transit infrastructure to create a multi-functional library that serves as a cultural catalyst for diverse community engagement."
Bookpark Library reimagines the potential of transit infrastructure spaces, converting the void beneath Tao-Poon MRT station into a dynamic cultural hub. This design competition project addresses Bangkok's urban challenges by making productive use of previously neglected spaces while creating vital community connections.
The design strategically bridges the gap between modern development and traditional neighborhood patterns. Located at the intersection of high-speed transit and local life, the library becomes more than a repository of books—it's a social catalyst that brings diverse groups together in meaningful ways.
The architectural approach emphasizes openness and flexibility through a multi-level configuration that includes academic, leisure, and children's library zones. Public spaces integrate seamlessly with the structural framework, featuring galleries, multipurpose areas, restaurants, and landscaped zones. The industrial aesthetic of exposed concrete is softened by colorful furnishings and art installations, creating welcoming environments for all users.
The project's signature element is its interconnected spatial organization, where overlapping levels and visual connections foster spontaneous encounters and collaborative learning. By transforming infrastructure dead space into vibrant community assets, Bookpark Library offers a sustainable model for urban regeneration that strengthens cultural identity while embracing contemporary needs.
