Library in the Earth by Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP

Library in the Earth is a contemplative space designed for farmers, embracing the rhythms of agricultural life. Conceived as a quiet retreat where one can plow fields on sunny days and read books on rainy days, the library embodies humility, ecological sensitivity, and the celebration of community. It is located at a corner of KURKKU FIELDS, an agricultural production site, on a flat and dry plateau that lies above a valley filled with construction debris. The architects approached the project with a deep respect for the land, prioritizing the restoration of the natural valley ecosystem while creating a minimal architectural footprint.

The design principle of the library is to exist within the earth rather than above it. The architects envisioned a space that would coexist with the cultivated soil and the flourishing of plants and microorganisms, reinforcing the idea that the earth is both the source of life and a symbol of motherhood. This philosophical underpinning guided every design decision, ensuring that the library remains intimately connected to the natural landscape and the daily lives of those who work the land.

Design Concept and Spatial Strategy

The library is formed as a small cleft in the earth, creating a tranquil and meditative environment for visitors. Viewed from above, this cleft resembles a water drop, a poetic gesture that evokes the life-giving properties of water essential to farming. As one approaches the library, the journey through the plowed fields becomes a ritual passage, leading to a corridor lined with bookshelves. Here, the architectural intervention is subtle yet precise: beams and columns are eliminated, and concrete void slabs cantilever from the retaining and wing walls. This approach allows the library to float lightly within the landscape, preserving the integrity of the soil layer above.

The interior finishes are crafted with the earth in mind: floors, walls, and ceilings are covered in smooth earthen plaster, creating a continuous, tactile environment. The planted lawn extends seamlessly to the vertical edge of the slabs, hanging down lushly to introduce a sense of moisture and connection with the surrounding soil. This integration not only enhances the sensory experience but also supports practical environmental functions, such as irrigation and seasonal water retention.

Intimate and Layered Spaces

The library’s ceiling heights follow the natural slope of the ground, resulting in varying spatial volumes. Low-ceilinged nooks and hidden rooms create areas designed for children, fostering a sense of exploration and discovery. At the library’s deepest point lies a storytelling hall, conceived as a womb-like space where the earth above is uplifted to form an intimate amphitheater. Stepped seating is enclosed by folds of bookshelves, displaying collections from local farm workers and children’s literature. The 40mm thick vertical frames of the shelves extend overhead, forming a structural network that supports the space while creating a sense of enclosure and protection.

The library employs a reciprocal structural logic: each vertical beam supports its neighbor, and together they form a continuous circle capable of spanning large spaces without relying on a single dominant element. This structural approach symbolizes community, collaboration, and shared labor, reflecting the cooperative spirit of KURKKU FIELDS. The design encourages a collective experience of space, reinforcing the social dimension of the library as a place of gathering, learning, and connection.

Light and Connection to the Sky

A central top light serves as the focal point of the library, connecting visitors to the broader natural environment. This aperture frames views of the sky, clouds, and surrounding landscape, emphasizing the relationship between earth, architecture, and celestial rhythms. Sunlight filters down into the library, animating the earthen surfaces and enhancing the meditative quality of the space. The architects intended this light to act as a symbol of agricultural community, a reminder of the interdependence between humans, land, and nature.

Materiality and Environmental Integration

Material choices reflect both durability and ecological sensitivity. Concrete is used sparingly and strategically, while the earthen finishes and planted lawn create visual and tactile continuity between the built form and the landscape. The cantilevered slabs, combined with the absence of interior columns, allow for flexible and unobstructed interiors, ensuring that the library remains adaptable for multiple uses, from reading and study to storytelling and social gatherings.

The Library in the Earth is more than a building; it is an experience of connection—to land, community, and knowledge. Its careful integration with the soil, vegetation, and natural light creates a holistic environment where architecture serves both functional and symbolic roles. The design exemplifies a sensitive, environmentally conscious approach to public architecture, highlighting how structures can enhance human activity while respecting ecological systems.

A Place of Reflection and Learning

By embedding itself within the landscape, Library in the Earth provides a space for reflection, learning, and social interaction. Its design encourages users to move slowly, observe carefully, and engage meaningfully with both books and nature. The library stands as a model for site-sensitive, community-focused architecture, demonstrating how minimal interventions can generate rich spatial, cultural, and ecological experiences. It is a thoughtful celebration of the earth, a place where people can read, gather, and reflect while remaining intimately connected to the land that sustains them.

Photography: Koji Fujii / TOREAL