Starfield Library (Byeolmadang Library)
Building: Starfield COEX Mall
Location: Gangnam District of Seoul, South Korea
Address: B1F and 1F, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Year: 2017
Client: Shinsegae Property Inc
Architect: Junglim Architecture
Design Architect: Junglim Architecture – Lifestyle Creation BU and Gensler
Spatial Designer: Cenoplan
Lighting Designer: Bitzro & Partners
Size: Library: 2,800 meters squared Mall: 393,388 meters squared
AE Interests: The library is one of many attractions within Asia’s largest underground mall. In high density populations like Seoul, they highly emphasize the use of underground space to maximize land use, thus, using the underground as shelter, shopping, etc., while keeping the top as a communal space to feature its vibrant seasons.
Originally serving as a fire evacuation shelter, it features a large glass atrium using a space-frame system around the concept of blending the atmosphere with the underground world, with three 13-meter-tall bookshelves holding roughly 70,000 books. It integrates books, culture, and arts with shopping to make it accessible for all individuals to enjoy, with reports of a ~30% jump in sales from nearby shops.
With the success of the first Starfield Library, a second Starfield Library was made in Suwon, capital of Gyeonggi Province.
leave a comment