Brazilian student wins international competition proposing a library without a collection

The competition aimed to design an iconic 21st-century "public library" in Tokyo, Japan, and debate its role in the "digital age." Proposals were expected to address the library's frequently questioned vitality, enhancing and transforming its capabilities into a "knowledge-sharing prototype" to serve as a model for future libraries worldwide. Brazilian student Alexandre R. Biselli won first place with the proposal Ever-Fleeting Library.

The idea of the traditional library—a place where human knowledge accumulated over centuries is made available to the community—is dead. Instant access to content through any internet-connected device is something the traditional library cannot compete with. As a result, study spaces—traditionally a core function of the public library—have become increasingly decentralized; coffee shop chains worldwide, for example, now provide work desks and Wi-Fi for customers. Consequently, the 21st-century library can no longer limit itself to providing space and knowledge, both of which have become ubiquitous. Furthermore, the curatorial process—determining whether a work is worthy of a public library—cannot keep pace with today's relentless content production.

By combining an emerging technology—virtual reality—with an older one—all-in-one book-making machines—the Ever-Fleeting Library comes to life. Using VR headsets, a 3D library becomes accessible on the lower level. Through related online searches, users can build a personalized library tailored to their interests, with every new query dynamically transforming the entire collection. Inside this space, users can browse virtual 3D books. If they want a physical copy, they can prompt the server to print it on one of the book machines, then simply wait for it to slide down.

The rest of the building comprises generous reading and workspaces, coffee stands, and restrooms. Visitors can bring their own devices, carry their own books, or print them on-site. In other words, the Ever-Fleeting Library has no physical collection. It is defined by a constant flux of people and knowledge.

With its modest scale and toy-like appearance, the building stands as an icon of Japanese ingenuity. Its operation reflects Japanese culture's readiness to accept and embrace the new.