“Ave alma mater, gradituri te salutant.”|A library in Koivusaari - Seeking the genius loci of library space through Finnish library design
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Journal Title
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Volume Title
School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
Location:
Authors
Date
2023
Department
Major/Subject
Mcode
Degree programme
Arkkitehtuurin, maisema-arkkitehtuurin ja sisustusarkkitehtuurin maisteriohjelma
Language
en
Pages
82+3
Series
Abstract
In the course of my first year in Finland, one architectural gem in Otaniemi, the Harald Herlin Learning Center, left an indelible mark on me. Amidst the prevailing trend of expansive and imposing public spaces within contemporary architecture, my perspective shifted during my studies in Finland. I found myself captivated by the allure of “small” spaces, particularly libraries, which achieved a remarkable coziness without diminishing their significance. Motivated by this newfound fascination, my thesis centers on capturing the essence of my initial impressions in Finland, with a focus on library design—an inherently inclusive building type. While reflecting on the allure of Finnish libraries, I pondered the prevailing trends in modern civil library design. Despite the prevalence of vast, multifunctional spaces, Finnish “small” libraries, with their unique atmosphere, became a source of inspiration. The core inquiry driving my thesis is the exploration of the Genius Loci, or the spirit of place, inherent in library spaces. Through a detailed analysis of Finnish libraries, mainly Alvar Aalto’s libraries, encompassing dimensions, heights, sections, and materiality etc, I seek to unravel the distinctive character that defines a library space. This inquiry culminates in a design proposal for a small library in Koivusaari, a reflection on personal encounters, and a contribution to the broader discourse on the essence of library spaces, alongside the enduring impact of Aalto’s architectural legacy and Finnish human-centric design.Description
Supervisor
Sanaksenaho, PirjoThesis advisor
Siitonen, TuomasKeywords
library design, genius loci, Finnish library, Alvar Aalto, human-centric design, spatial spirit