Horm Stories #11
Today, we invite you on a journey to the Far East to explore the Tama Art University Library in Tokyo, an extraordinary project designed by Toyo Ito. The Japanese architect, an internationally acclaimed starchitect, is one of the few to have received the Pritzker Architecture Prize, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of architecture.
Ito’s work never fails to impress, and this project is no exception. He revolutionized the use of concrete in contemporary architecture, giving this material not only structural responsibilities but also unique expressive and artistic qualities.
The architecture and concept of the Tama Art University Library are closely tied to the metaphor of learning and intellectual enlightenment, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Learning is viewed as a continuous journey from the darkness of ignorance to the light of wisdom. The library itself becomes a temple of knowledge, transforming into a geological cave where streams of natural light guide students along their path of learning.
Inside, the structure opens up into a cavernous space with a series of interconnected galleries. Ingenious structural feats allow the glass and concrete exterior walls to integrate the surrounding campus environment into the interior, creating a single, exhilarating open space.
Being part of such a unique project was truly invaluable. The seating throughout the library consists of Cherish chairs by Horm, renowned for their comfort and the timelessness of their design.
While commonly associated with kitchens or restaurant seating, the Cherish Chair, in its solid natural beech version, has seamlessly integrated into this modern temple of knowledge, providing both functionality and elegance in a setting that celebrates learning and architecture.
