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This Korean Library Looks Like an Overturned Book Page

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When South Korea-based architecture and engineering firm S.A.M.O.O. designed the 21,076-square-meter (226,860-square-foot) National Library of Sejong City, they did it with, ever so fittingly, books in mind. Indeed, the glass-paneled sweep of the building very much resembles an overturned book page, a shape S.A.M.O.O. felt exuded"emotion" and "sensitivity"—a destination for both learning and leisure.

Touchy-feely words about books—which are actually a fairly common source of inspiration for architects and designers—aside, this first branch of the National Library of Korea does look like one awesome library. The first two floors have large, open layouts designed for reading and relaxing, while the third floor is designated for seminars and conferences. The true star of the facility, though, is the dual restaurant and rooftop lounge on the fourth floor, complete with a swanky little garden. Surrounding the building is a "book themed park,"—no more detail given to what that exactly entails—and a large pedestrian plaza in the front. The building is set to open at the end of 2013 and will act as both a library and a meeting and events space. More photos, over on Design Boom.

· National Library of Sejong City by S.A.M.O.O. has swooping roof [Design Boom]
· National Library of Sejong City [S.A.M.O.O.]
· Books as Bricks: Amazing Architecture Made From Literature [Curbed National]