A new children’s library designed by Architect Tadao Ando to open next year

In 2026, the year Hokkaido University celebrates its 150th anniversary, a new library for children will open in one of the most scenic areas of the Sapporo Campus. The new facility, called Kodomo Hon no Mori Sapporo-Hokudai (literally, “Children’s Forest of Books”), is being designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando and his associates.

This project is a collaboration between Hokkaido University, Tadao Ando Architect & Associates, and the City of Sapporo. The building itself will be a generous gift from Ando’s architectural firm, while Hokkaido University and the City of Sapporo will jointly operate the library.

President Kiyohiro Houkin (left), Architect Tadao Ando (middle, on the screen), and the Mayor of Sapporo City Katsuhiro Akimoto at the press conference.(Photo by Ayumi Hasegawa)

On Friday, May 9, the proposed name and a conceptual design of the library were unveiled. The architectural rendering reveals a striking building with gracefully curved outer walls and expansive glass windows. Joining the press conference online, Ando explained that the design was inspired by the theme of coexistence with nature.

The exterior of the children’s library with curved outer walls and expansive glass windows.

The interior will feature extensive use of wood and include cylindrical bookshelves that rise to the ceiling. The library is expected to house a collection of around 15,000 books.

The interior of the children’s library will include cylindrical bookshelves.

President Kiyohiro Houkin of Hokkaido University shared his hopes at the press conference, saying, “As a hub of knowledge, we are excited to connect with children, ranging from preschoolers to those in primary and secondary education, through this new library.”

The library will be located on the south side of the Central Lawn, a large grassy area just a short walk from the main gate. The site is currently enclosed by white fencing as construction progresses, and the library is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.