The Exchange by Kengo Kuma.
Wood is its star product , with it they manage to make impossible constructions for the rest of the mortals. Kengo Kuma , the Japanese architecture studio, began its journey in 1990 and, since then, has raised its constructions to the top in terms of sustainable design.
In 2018, for example, he managed to create a Starbucks with recycled containers, opened a pastry shop in Tokyo in 2014 inside an intricate wooden structure, among many other daring proposals.
Now sydney boasts of his latest creation: The Exchange, a seven-storey building wrapped in 20 km strips of organic Accoya wood , which filter sunlight and give a more natural look to the surrounding urban environment. Like a beehive, so is this new civic construction.
“Our intention is to express architecture as part of natural elements, working with them in a playful and primitive way. In the case of The Exchange, it reminds us of a tree or a nest," they said in a statement from Kengo Kuma.
It is located in Darling Square.
The work, which was announced in 2016, is already finished and, therefore, can be visited for free . Is found in Darling Square , a neighborhood located just outside the central business district Darling Harbor from Sydney.
“We chose an architectural design that would be accessible and recognizable from all directions. We tried to make this circular shape reflect the vibrant neighborhood where it is located”, they underline.
That's why, his main objective was to create a building on a human scale , which they call "pocket" in a fully urban area with large skyscrapers and cement buildings, looking precisely for give the space a light and pleasant feeling.
This construction is part of a neighborhood redevelopment plan that is expected to create 4,200 homes and 2,500 jobs, in addition to attracting tourism and commercial activity.
Inside you will find a public library.
THE NEW DARLING SQUARE LIBRARY
From all angles it looks the same , and although the outside is really striking, the visitor must enter it because surprisingly it houses many surprises on its seven floors.
The Exchange is a versatile building where the new neighborhood library has been installed . Open since October 2019, this new library has replaced the previous one, it has much more space, light, and most importantly, up to 30,000 books , an extensive collection of Asian literature** and newspapers from around the world, as it is intended to be a tourist spot.
Within the same library they have located Ideas Lab , a laboratory of ideas with even 3D printers. There is also room for a nursery and various makerspaces, such as** IQ-Hub and Makerspace** to support startups. In this sense, creative meetings and workshops will be held.
The gastronomic offer is also very attractive because it has several restaurants such as** Xopp**, a concept of contemporary food where you will find cantonese delicacies mixed with Australian ingredients . Y Marker's Dozen with a varied offer: from Vietnamese tacos to Australian sweets.
Its roof terrace allows you to enjoy good views of the Tumbalong Park, Chinese Gardens and Cockle Bay ; and its ground floor is perfect for a day of shopping.
One more reason to go to Sydney.