Sendai Library, Documenting and Archiving Natural Disaster

Sendai’s media library is defined by transparency and solidity; entirely in clad glass, its structure is characterised by a set of marbled wooden pillars through which one moves through to the higher floors with elevators inside.

Developed by renowned Japanese architect Toyo Ito, it opened in 2001; the grand master of Japanese design was inspired by Le Corbusier for the initial sketches drawing.

The concept of the Sendai Multimedia Library is to promote exchange through open spaces. Both a library and an exhibition space, it also houses the ‘Center of Remembrance 3.11’ in memory of the natural disaster that affected the region in March 2011. This multimedia studio is used to document the progress of the restoration of the region and to inform the public and future generations of the importance of disaster prevention.