toyo ito's 'minna no mori' gifu media cosmos opens in japan

toyo ito’s ‘minna no mori’ gifu media cosmos opens in japan
image © kai nakamura

designed by renowned architect toyo ito, the ‘minna no mori’ gifu media cosmos has opened its doors to the public in central japan. internally, the scheme is defined by large funnels in the roof plane that define various reading, resting and study zones. these curved globes are made from three-dimensional polyester shades that allow light to filter down into the spaces below.

the scheme features roof funnels that define reading, resting and study zones
image © kai nakamura

at the heart of the first floor, a glazed enclosure houses book shelves and a gallery, while on the upper storey, visitors encounter an open-plan library organized through a series of spiraling wooden units. the arrangement of furniture is also placed in circular formations, further emphasizing the helical nature of the plan.

curved globes are made from three-dimensional polyester shade
image © kai nakamura

designed to integrate sustainable technologies, the roof canopy is a composition of latticed wood, with interstitial openings allowing natural light to flood the library below. the domes assist in this, not only providing visual interest with their shape, but also by ensuring that sunlight refracts at particular angles to disperse solar gain more evenly throughout the building.

the arrangement of furniture is placed in circular formations
image © kai nakamura

the scheme accommodates a range of spaces for different age groups
image © kai nakamura

the shape and form of the light funnels is referenced on the building’s exterior façade
image © kai nakamura

the roof canopy is a composition of latticed wood with interstitial openings
image © kai nakamura

1/8