Library Building Completion Commemoration Project Part 2
"Maclay Memorial Hall "
Looking back at architecture
The Maclay Memorial Hall: A look at its design
The library building, "Maclay Memorial Hall," opened in April 2024. In addition to the traditional library functions, it also brings together the functions of an Information Media Center and an Academic Writing Center, making it a new "knowledge hub." In this article, we spoke with the person who played a central role in supporting the construction project about the design ingenuity of Maclay Memorial Hall and the highlights of the building.
Kenichi Negishi
After joining Shimizu Corporation, he served as chief designer and group leader in the Educational and Cultural Facilities Design Department of the Design Division. He served as the design manager and construction supervisor for Maclay Memorial Hall project.
Hara Eisaku
After graduating from college, he worked in construction management at a general construction company (general contractor) before joining Aoyama Gakuin. Currently, he is in charge of the maintenance and management of buildings on campus as Facilities Manager and of renovation and new construction projects at the Corporate Headquarters Facilities Administration Department Facilities Division. Maclay Memorial Hall His project responsibilities include construction contracting, budget and process management, and campus coordination.
Pursuing a new image of a library with the keyword "a place for students"
■ Aiming to create a modern library while inheriting the weight of history
original Shimizu Corporation, which designed and constructed Maclay Memorial Hall, built the first library of Aoyama about 100 years ago. Mashima Memorial Library (now Majima Memorial Hall) There is a history of involvement in the construction of
Negishi Our company was involved in the construction of the first library, now Majima Memorial Hall, and now, after so many years, we are now involved in the construction of the new library, so we feel humbled to have taken on the role. Our vision from the beginning of the design, to "capture the first library and the new library in one photograph," has finally come true, and we feel a great sense of emotion about it.
original As the times change and the role expected of university libraries is being reexamined, Shimizu Corporation and our university share the vision of an "evolving library," which led to the construction of Maclay Memorial Hall as part of our university's 150th anniversary celebrations.
Aoyama Gakuin Hara
--Please tell us about your thoughts on Maclay Memorial Hall project and the architectural concept that emerged from it.
Negishi: Above all, we wanted to create a new library that was easy for students to use. After much discussion, we decided on the concept of "a place for students to gather intellectually" and "a library that evolves together with students." Our goal was to create a place that would not only function as a place to use materials and study, but also serve as a base for campus life.
To make
the Hara Maclay Memorial Hall a meaningful "place" for students, we wanted to allow students to choose the place that best suited their own purpose. This led to the keyword "activity-based library," which considers space design based on the activities of users.
Shimizu Construction Negishi
■ Construction technology that makes your ideas a reality
--How are the concepts of "being an intellectual haven for students" and "a library that evolves together with the students" as well as the idea of an "activity-based library" expressed in the building?
Negishi First of all, we expressed the idea of "a place for students" through the exterior of the building. *1 and Sash *2 The aim of the building is to vividly highlight the students working inside and on the terrace by placing glass windows all over the building, based on a simple structure based on wood. The architectural design conveys the message that the student activities themselves will shape a new campus landscape.
*1 Structural floor made of reinforced concrete
*2 Metal window frames. Also called sashes.
The simple structure of the eaves-like protruding slab and sashes creates a "place for students"
HaraWe created a variety of spaces within the building so that each and every student can choose their own place. Firstly, to make it easy for students to visit, the IT training rooms and PC classrooms that students use for classes are located on the information learning floors, the 1st basement and 1st floor. The support lounge is located in the most accessible location, near the 1st floor entrance. The stepped hall connecting the 1st basement and 1st floor can be used for casual presentations and various events. The staircase can be used as a bench, and the surrounding counters can be used as standing room only.
The library floor has quiet study and learning spaces such as private study rooms and carrel desks, while the learning commons and group study rooms are active study spaces. Each floor also has a study space called an Aisle, which is divided into three types according to purpose. The quiet "Deep" Aisle is for when you want to concentrate on your studies, the "Active" Aisle has movable desks and whiteboards for group study, and the "Change" Aisle has a cafe-like atmosphere where you can eat and drink, so you can change your mood. The information learning floor also has two types of lounges: one where you can relax on sofas, and one with an active atmosphere that is suitable for group study, allowing you to choose from a variety of environments depending on your purpose and situation.
"Deep" Aisle is for when you want to concentrate
"Active" Aisle is for group learning
"Change" Aisle is perfect for when you want a change of pace.
--We heard that each area has been designed to improve students' learning efficiency.
Negishi: To support students' learning more actively, we also approach the five senses, such as hearing and smell. For example, in order to create zones of "quietness and movement," we installed a sound masking system around the atrium. This system plays environmental sounds similar to air conditioning sounds to make overheard conversation less noticeable. In addition, the sense of "quietness and movement" is closely related to the "air currents" felt by the skin, so we use multiple air conditioning systems. In static spaces such as the Aisle in "Deep," we use windless radiant panels, while in dynamic spaces, we use floor-mounted air conditioning with a slight air current. The moderate air current brings vitality to the space, and in areas such as the Aisle in "Change," where food and drink are available, it also plays a role in preventing odors from building up. In addition, to refresh the sense of smell, we planted fragrant herbs in the flower beds on the second and third floor terraces and in the courtyard on the fifth floor. While you can enjoy a variety of flowers throughout the year, we chose plants that have particularly vibrant flowers and refreshing scents for May, when the tension of the new school term begins to wane.
The third floor terrace. You can enjoy a variety of flowers all year round.
As an approach based on the original vision, the interior image of each floor is significantly different. The lower floors, which serve as the introduction to the library, make extensive use of plain wood and open spaces, creating a bright and friendly space. On the other hand, the upper floors, which are home to specialized books and private study rooms, are designed to be intellectual and calm, with dark wood grain and dark-toned interiors. Furthermore, the Information Learning Floor, where IT seminars and other events are held, has a black base and emphasizes creative elements. Each floor has a different interior atmosphere, so students can choose their favorite floor according to the content of their studies. These changes on each floor reflect the concept of Maclay Memorial Hall, which is a "spiral of knowledge."
The lower floors feature a bright, welcoming atmosphere with plenty of white wood and open spaces.
On the upper floors, dark wood and dark-toned interiors create an intellectual and calm impression.
The information and learning floor is decorated in black to emphasize the creative elements.
--The library floor, which occupies the second through sixth floors, features an impressive, dynamic atrium.
As a designer,
Negishi considers the most interesting feature to be the central reading space, which is made up of stacked and staggered atriums. By slightly shifting the position of the atriums and stairs on each floor, we were able to create a space with rhythm and a sense of openness. The atrium also plays an important role in terms of environmental considerations. In spring and autumn, a "natural ventilation system" that utilizes the rising air currents in the atriums keeps the temperature inside the building at around 26 degrees or less with almost no air conditioning heat source. Through various other measures, such as using well water for air conditioning and rooftop greenery, Maclay Memorial Hall has achieved "ZEB Ready *3" and obtained "BELS Certification *4," the first official certification for a university library in Japan.
*3 A building that meets the criteria for reducing primary energy consumption by 50% or more from the standard primary energy consumption. "ZEB" stands for "Net Zero Energy Building."
*4 Abbreviation for "Building-Housing Energy-efficiency Labeling System"
The Hara Library floor has an open ceiling that creates a sense of openness, while the use of a flat slab structure with no protruding beams on the ceiling and slim columns has created a clean, clear space. Meanwhile, by using earthquake-resistant components called "braces," Maclay Memorial Hall has secured earthquake resistance that is 1.25 times greater than the performance stipulated by the Building Standards Act.
--What do you think about the element of an "evolving library"?
Negishi: In order to be able to accommodate future needs, the design places emphasis on versatility, for example by arranging movable furniture in the aisles, lounges, and presentation rooms on each floor. At the same time, we were conscious of creating a well-balanced spatial design to avoid creating a blank, characterless space.
HaraThe newly introduced IC tags also play a major role in the evolution and expansion of the library. By centralizing information using IC tags, it has become possible to lend books to users on their own. On the library floor, an automated book storage with a storage capacity of 800,000 books has been installed in a location that is easily visible from each reading seat. In 2025, a system is scheduled to start operating that will allow students to operate the automated book storage themselves to retrieve books. Such a system will greatly expand the possibilities for accessing a vast amount of knowledge.
Self-service booth for automated book storage. In 2025, students will be able to operate the automated book storage themselves to retrieve books (planned).
■ Message to users
--Finally, please give us a message for users, especially students.
A major theme for
the Negishi Maclay Memorial Hall was how to express the "Aogaku Gakuin-ness." After much internal discussion, we decided to create a "galleria with a colonnade," as seen in church architecture, focusing on the fact that the university has Christianity as its educational foundation. We used circular columns, the same as those in Majima Memorial Hall, to express the weight of the history that has been passed down. Furthermore, to convey the image of a cheerful welcome for students, we chose a neat and gorgeous Renaissance style for the design of the columns. In designing Maclay Memorial Hall, we have envisioned a variety of possible usage scenarios and incorporated every possible ingenuity, but we hope that students will use the building in a variety of ways that exceed our expectations.
Hara: "We have been proceeding with the architectural plan with the desire to create a fun library that students would want to come to." From the foundation to the interior, we have put a lot of thought into the details, and I think we have created a sophisticated library and information media center that is unique to our university. We have prepared a variety of spaces, from Maclay Memorial Hall to the courtyard area, so we hope that students will find their favorite "place" and use them to their heart's content.
Colonnade. The use of columns similar to those in the first library, the Majima Memorial Hall, expresses the historical connection of the library to our university.
Episode of the construction of Mashima Memorial Library (now Majima Memorial Hall)
Kugikichi Shimizu, who served as president of Shimizu Corporation's predecessor, Shimizu Gumi, studied at Tokyo Eiwa Gakko (Tokyo Eiwa School), which is one of the origins of Shimizu Corporation Aoyama. He worked on the reconstruction of Tokyo after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 and also contributed to the reconstruction of the university when it was devastated by the earthquake. When the construction of the Mashima Memorial Library, which was completed in 1929, was threatened by financial difficulties, Mr. Shimizu donated a huge sum of money to support the completion of the library. Mr. Shimizu truly embodies the "servant leadership" that TUAT stands for.
Introduction of each floor
Clicking "+" will display information about the facilities on each floor.
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B1F Information Media Center
All-gender restrooms
On the first basement floor and first floor, there are all-gender private toilets equipped with fitting boards as restrooms for specific purposes. There are also single-sex and barrier-free toilets on the same floors.
B1F hall leading to the 1st floor
The stepped hall connecting the basement and first floor can be used for casual presentations and various events. The steps can be used as benches, and the surrounding counters can be used as standing room only.
B1F Lounge
This lounge has a relaxing atmosphere like a living room. There are sofas so you can relax and enjoy reading a book or chatting. The interior and lighting are slightly dark and calming.
IT training room
These classrooms are used for "IT training courses." By placing them on the perimeter of the building, we were able to take advantage of the natural light from the outside. The glass walls make for a bright space with good visibility. There are five IT training rooms.
Video editing room (18006)
This is a room where video editing and other creative work can be done. It is equipped with various equipment, movable spotlights, blackout curtains, etc. The desks on casters can be freely combined, providing a large work space.
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1F Information Media Center
PC classroom
There are seven PC classrooms with two different layouts: school type and active learning type.
1F Lounge
This lounge has an active atmosphere. The furniture is easily movable so that it can be rearranged according to needs, making it a convenient space for collaborative learning.
Support Lounge
We accept questions and inquiries regarding services provided by the Information Media Center, such as PC rentals and software licenses. For user convenience, we have placed them in the most accessible locations on the floor.
reception
This is the main reception desk for Maclay Memorial Hall. There are also electronic device rental lockers and consultation booths nearby, and the building is designed to meet the diverse needs of students.
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2F Library
Newspapers, magazines, paperbacks, new books, various reference books
Learning Commons
This is an active space where you can study individually or in groups using various information resources, including electronic information. It is a sophisticated space decorated with art and design books from the former Aoyama Gakuin Women's Junior College College Art Department and plants.
Academic Writing Center
We provide support for students in writing academic documents, such as reports and papers. We have placed it near the entrance on the second floor for easy access. We aim to cultivate "independent writing skills" that can be used internationally.
Main counter /
Reference CounterWe provide information on how to use the library and answer any questions you may have about finding materials. In the surrounding area, there are automatic lending machines, book posts for returning books, and micro-readers for viewing microfilm.
Automatic lending machine/book drop
The automated lending machine allows users to easily borrow and renew books themselves. There are also book posts located before and after the security gate on the second floor where users can return books by simply dropping them in.
New magazine section
The entrance floor of the library, which serves as the introduction to learning, allows students to encounter a variety of media, including newspapers, magazines, new books, and pocket books. In the new magazine corner in the central reading space, we have adopted "face-out" shelves that make it easy to see the covers of magazines.
Reading space
The reading space is zoned to accommodate the diverse needs of students, from open spaces to quiet areas. The furniture, lighting, and floor decorations are also carefully designed to create a varied space.
Shalom Library
The library has a collection of Christian books. It is like an art museum, and also displays stained glass from the university's collection, created by Yamato Takizawa, the same artist who designed the Wesley Chapel on Sagamihara Campus.
terrace
This outdoor space is located on the Ivy Street side. It is an impressive space with a wide wooden deck and casual furniture.
Aisle Photo Gallery
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3F Library
Books on social sciences such as economics and business administration, and natural sciences such as science and physics
Reading space
The reading space is zoned to accommodate the diverse needs of students, from open spaces to quiet areas. The furniture, lighting, and floor decorations are also carefully designed to create a varied space.
Terrace Room ~ Terrace
The third floor terrace is equipped with a glass-enclosed terrace room and a flower bed with herbs. The fragrant flowers bloom in May, when the tension of the new year tends to fade, allowing you to feel refreshed.
Group Study Room
There are many study spaces for different purposes. Furniture that can be combined in various ways has been selected to accommodate a variety of usage patterns.
Aisle Photo Gallery
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4F Library
Humanities books and large books such as literature and history
Automatic library
The automated stacks, installed on the 4th to 6th floors, can store up to 800,000 books. The glass-walled design allows visitors to see inside the stacks from the reading rooms on the 4th and 5th floors.
Automatic book storage self-service booth
We are currently developing a system that will allow users to operate the automated stacks and retrieve books themselves, with the aim of launching it in fiscal 2025. It is hoped that this system will greatly expand the possibilities for accessing vast amounts of "knowledge."
Reading space
The reading space is zoned to accommodate the diverse needs of students, from open spaces to quiet areas. The furniture, lighting, and floor decorations are also carefully designed to create a varied space.
Reading Room
These highly soundproof rooms are convenient for reading aloud for language study or when using devices that make noise, such as calculators. There are four reading rooms in the library.
Group Study Room
There are many study spaces for different purposes. Furniture that can be combined in various ways has been selected to accommodate a variety of usage patterns.
Aisle Photo Gallery
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5F Library
Art books, back issues of Japanese and Western magazines, journals, etc.
electric bookshelf
The electronic bookshelf, which has a storage capacity of approximately 200,000 books, can be operated with the push of a button. It is installed in the reading space, so students can easily pick up books at any time. There are also thorough safety measures in place, such as sensors to prevent items from getting caught.
Study cubicle
The study cubicles overlooking the courtyard have an open atmosphere, but are also ideal for tasks that require concentration, such as writing assignments or papers. Study cubicle 13 is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible desk lift and automatic doors.
Reading space
The reading space is zoned to accommodate the needs of students, from open spaces to quiet areas. The furniture, lighting, and floor decorations are also carefully designed to create a varied space.
courtyard
This garden can be accessed from the 5th floor, where highly specialized materials and private study rooms are located. Various plants, mainly herbs, are planted, allowing you to relieve the fatigue of studying through your sense of smell and sight. Take a breath of fresh air, do some light exercise, and enjoy a change of mood.
Group Study Room
A versatile learning space with ample space for multiple uses. Furniture that can be combined in a variety of ways has been selected to accommodate a variety of usage patterns.
Aisle Photo Gallery
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6F Library
Presentation Room
It can accommodate 120 people. The ceiling design is inspired by the trunk of a 30m-tall Himalayan cedar in the courtyard, and it can be used in a variety of layouts depending on the purpose. It is also equipped with a large projector and an automatic tracking camera.
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EXTERIOR
Exterior Photo Gallery
