Tadao Ando is a legendary Japanese architect, someone Lateral Paul has spoken to me about for years, literally. So to see the International Children’s Library (and thanks to Shingo for taking me there) was a major design and creative moment for me. Located within Ueno Park in Tokyo, the International Library of Children’s Literature is a renovation and expansion of the former Imperial Library built in 1906 and expanded in 1929. (This next part is courtesy www.galinsky.com, for those who know design/architecture): The subtle interventions of Ando create a dynamic juxtaposition between the old and the new while creating the first national library dedicated to children’s literature.
Whatever your knowledge of design etc, one thing stands out- the dedication of the local government to inspire children about books and reading, especially crucial in a techno age where finger-tapping on smartphones is the order of the day and turning a page is fast becoming obsolete …
The facade….
Inside….the play of light is beautiful and note the chair designs….
Glass wrapped around an ancient staircase….feeling Paris here, there & everywhere…
A wonderful experience for kids….to be surrounded by such creativity is so amazing- they’re absorbing top end design without even realizing it…
Hello Kitty & origami on the Librarian’s desk…just perfect…
The International Library of Children’s Literature
12-49 Ueno Park
Taito-ku, Tokyo
110-0007 Japan
Easy to find on the Metro as well….enjoy!
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