Nocturnal Library
MIT, Core II
Instructors: Matthew Bunza
& Cristina Parreño Alonso 2020
Located in Boston’s Chinatown, this library was designed to surpass the conventions of limited 9-5 buisness hours. The library reflects an area of the city whose community is active 24 hours a day.
Blurring the lines between private/public, interior/exterior. The library’s edges question these barriers. The ground floor becomes open community space and exterior balconies on higher floors are open to all but have the added protection of visibility and height.
Circulation paths allow the building to be engaged as a purely interior or exterior space. Floor to ceiling glazing is purposefully north facing, not to be used during the day, but rather as an exterior wayfinding device in nights darkness.
