Whispers of Nature A Tranquil Library Atrium for Knowledge

Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University in Alexandria

Idea projektu

Design Concept: “Whispers of Nature – A Tranquil Atrium for Knowledge”

Rooted in the essence of Japanese cultural and spatial values, this public library atrium design centers around harmony, light, and nature. Inspired by traditional Japanese garden design, the atrium serves not only as a circulation core but as a serene, contemplative space that invites visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with knowledge in a calm setting.

Softscape elements define the atmosphere: carefully curated native trees such as sakura (cherry blossom), momiji (Japanese maple), and kuromatsu (black pine) blend with low-maintenance mosses and ornamental grasses. These plantings create seasonal interest, visual depth, and a tactile connection to the natural world—transforming the atrium into a living landscape that breathes with the rhythms of nature.

Hardscape elements:A central reflective pool and glass canopy amplify the sense of openness, while suspended greenery overhead softens the structure and brings nature into every gaze. The circulation is intuitive and seamless—gentle staircases, floating platforms, and garden paths invite movement through the space without disrupting its calm atmosphere.

Filtered natural light pours through skylights and clerestory windows, casting gentle shadows over wooden pathways and reading nooks nestled among the greenery. A shallow reflective water feature and stone elements inspired by karesansui (dry gardens) further reinforce a sense of peace and clarity.

By combining modern architectural clarity with the subtle richness of traditional Japanese landscaping, the atrium becomes more than a space—it becomes an experience: a soft-spoken sanctuary within the city, where nature and learning coexist in perfect balance.

Popis projektu

Spatial Zoning & Flow — Whispers of Nature Atrium Design

The spatial planning of the atrium follows a harmonious, radial composition of concentric curved lines, inspired by the quiet ripples of water or the timeless geometry of Zen garden patterns. At its core lies a central open-air circular zone, from which all other functions gently flow outward — echoing both nature's rhythm and the organic movement of people through space.


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1. The Heart — Central Reflective Garden

At the center of the atrium, an open-air circular oasis serves as the spiritual and visual anchor of the design.

A shallow reflective water feature is surrounded by comfortable seating, encouraging quiet reading, reflection, or mindful rest.

Lush greenery and step-style seating wrap the space, creating a tiered landscape of moss, grasses, and soft Japanese flora.

This area is enclosed by a double-height glass façade, allowing it to remain visible from all parts of the atrium, while still breathing with the open sky above.

2. Coffee & Gathering Zone (Outer Ring)

Flowing outward from the garden, visitors encounter a coffee bar and seating area, enveloped by greenery.

This zone provides a more lively social space without disrupting the overall calm.

Planting elements act as soft dividers, blending human interaction with nature.

3. Right Wing — Lounge Garden

To the right of the central garden lies a curved lounge area, defined by:

Wooden planter boxes with Japanese maples, pines, and ornamental shrubs, forming gentle arcs across the floor.

Within these natural curves are tables for group discussions, casual meetings, or quiet reading — nestled between foliage for a semi-private atmosphere.

4. Vertical Movement — Curved Staircase & Mezzanine

Encircling the glass core is a sculptural curved staircase, drawing visitors upward with a fluid, organic motion.

It leads to a mezzanine level, featuring:

Six terraced seating steps for flexible, modular use — ideal for lectures, solo reading, or small events.

At the top: library shelves filled with curated books, inviting visitors to browse and read while enjoying a panoramic view of the atrium below.

5. Under the Mezzanine — Circular Bookshelves

Below the mezzanine, a continuous curved shelving system runs along the inner ring of the atrium.

Designed for 360-degree accessibility, it anchors the knowledge component of the atrium in a sculptural, organic form.

6. Left Wing — Study & Group Zone with Nature Immersion

On the left side, softly curved partition walls create zones for both individual and group study:

One side features a quiet bar-height study counter for individual focus.

The opposite side accommodates shared tables for collaborative learning.

All are wrapped in a soothing blend of greenery and gentle water features, reinforcing the meditative quality of the space.

Overall Circulation & Experience

No space is rigid or linear; the journey through the atrium is gentle, circular, and continuous — like a mindful walk through a garden.

Materials, light, greenery, and water are orchestrated to support peaceful transitions between zones while maintaining visual and emotional coherence.


This spatial composition transforms the atrium into a multi-sensory library landscape, where architecture disappears into nature, and every corner is a quiet invitation to pause, learn, and reconnect.

Technické informace

Building Envelope & Materiality

The atrium building is thoughtfully enclosed with high-performance laminated glass, engineered to withstand weather variations while maintaining thermal comfort and acoustic insulation. This transparent skin allows natural light to flood the interior throughout the day, while seamlessly connecting the indoor sanctuary with the surrounding environment.

At the center of the atrium’s roof, a striking yet harmonious dome structure made of recycled metal rises above — symbolizing sustainability and resilience. Its presence crowns the space, adding architectural rhythm and emphasizing the circular geometry of the design.

All building materials are intentionally natural and environmentally conscious: clay-based plasters, locally sourced stone, untreated timber, and eco-friendly flooring reflect the project's commitment to earth-driven design. These tactile materials, in combination with the greenery and water features, create a holistic and timeless space where nature, architecture, and knowledge co-exist in perfect balance.