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Tama Art University Library / Toyo Ito by Iwan Baan

May 2009

By Nico Saieh — Filed under: Museums and Libraries , Selected , Iwan Baan, Japan, Tokyo, Toyo Ito

Once again, Iwan Baan shared with us another impresive photoset. This time, we are presenting the Tama Art University Library in Tokyo, Japan, by Toyo Ito.

25 comments »

christos says:

excelent work, real architecure, a masterpiece, minimum materials maximum everlasting effect, this building will never age, “styles” will come and go but traditional typologies will always be there, fresh as new, weel- done to the architect!!

# May 21, 2009 at 06:50

Balkan says:

Although I love the architect there is something about this arcs that create the space that bothers me.

# May 21, 2009 at 07:32

Bo Lucki says:

It’s hard to believe that the Taiwan Solar Powered Stadium and this “thing” came from the same shop… applying contemporary architectural beauty standards, this space is simply out of proportions and… ugly. Having said that, I have to admit that “it” will likely satisfy tastes of some architecture critics… de gustibus non disputandum est… I am wondering about the interior acoustic quality.

# May 21, 2009 at 08:47

Nick says:

Revival of the modern Gothic??

# May 21, 2009 at 08:51

mn x says:

timeless… respekkk mr. ito

# May 21, 2009 at 08:52

Bo Lucki says:

# May 21, 2009 at 08:54

Bo Lucki says:

What is this: “Your comment is awaiting moderation”????

# May 21, 2009 at 08:55

Jubair Siddeeuqe says:

i accept this place as a store of books, but a library? no. because theres lot of distraction by the large open windows into the exterior. Perhaps Zaha Hadid’s reject design for a European university (don’t remember exactly which one) was better than this in both design and architecture

# May 21, 2009 at 09:13

Bo Lucki says:

It’s hard to believe that the Taiwan Solar Powered Stadium and this “thing” came from the same shop… applying contemporary architectural beauty standards, this space is simply out of proportions and… ugly. Having said that, I have to admit that “it” will likely satisfy tastes of some architecture critics… I am wondering about the interior acoustic quality.

# May 21, 2009 at 09:19

Dustin says:

Beautiful.

# May 21, 2009 at 11:07

mn x says:

tis beautiful indeed…

to all you doubters and haters….bite me

zaha hadid….likewise

# May 21, 2009 at 11:30

Mr. Cheap says:

It is interesting to see ito’s work. This one, could have been made by some swiss fuckers, but it comes from ito. Very simple, honest materials and low key detailing. At the same time, however, ito is doing all kinds of crazy shit, double curved this , loft that and so on. What I really like about ito, is that his works seem to all be about wanting to do research, rather than conforming to a specific culture of architecture. He seems to follow fe rules. Look into his proposals for lost competitions and you will se one amazing span of ideas and thoughts about architecture.

# May 21, 2009 at 17:18

casiotimex says:

looks like something that designed by louis khan.. nice!

# May 21, 2009 at 22:18

ms says:

I believe its because of the complex computer created poorly constructed designs of architects like Zaha when I see work like this its refreshing.

# May 22, 2009 at 00:46

ms says:

BTW you really have to look at the construction quality of this building

# May 22, 2009 at 00:48

rick says:

Perfect

# May 22, 2009 at 02:10

Shropshire Architect says:

A great set of images and a wonderful building. The library is clearly given a celebrated and elevated status by the church like celing and arches.

# May 22, 2009 at 06:50

Dan says:

I feel the interior spaces are far more successful than the ezterior aspect of the building!

# May 22, 2009 at 08:15

randhir says:

interesting juxtaposition with the neimeyer interview right after.

# May 22, 2009 at 10:30

me says:

new meets old, tghen they marry and live happily ever after…
exellent work

# May 22, 2009 at 18:53

Jeff says:

Seems like some of you are missing the point. You don’t see magnificent interiors like this very often, because someone is always overdoing it. There’s an elegant (and I presume cost-effective) simplicity here — light and air — with some simple, classic forms in concrete and reflected light. Beautiful photos. Wow, I envy those students, having a space like that to lift their minds while they study.

# June 18, 2009 at 21:10

Tuf-Pak says:

Jeff,

I agree…such an strikingly peaceful space. Although the crisp purple sky doesn’t hurt.

Atmospheric conditions notwithstanding, the dude is a soft-genius, all the technical sophistication of the “Swiss F#ckers”, and a sense of humor to boot!

# July 14, 2009 at 18:53