Toronto-based\u00a0<\/strong>architectural practice Atelier Kastelic Buffey (AKB)<\/strong> has brought a whole new dimension to the\u00a0town of Newmarket, an historical suburb of Toronto. The Story Pod\u00a0<\/strong>is a\u00a0community-supported pop-up library with\u00a0a pure, simple form that belies a deeply thoughtful approach to architecture.<\/p>\n <\/a>The Story Pod<\/strong> (Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n The abstract, black box-like structure\u00a0measuring 8 feet in width, 8 feet in depth and 10 feet in height serves as a book exchange and a landmark in the town of Newmarket, drawing curious residents from nearby Main Street and an adjacent riverside walking trail.<\/p>\n <\/a>\u00a0Pop-up library\u00a0in open<\/strong>\u00a0position<\/strong> (Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n As users move around the box, the rhythm of its vertical slats changes. The tightest spacing articulates opaque walls; the larger gaps, backed by transparent Lexan, allow light and views to filter through; and the widest openings display the book stacks, encouraging eager readers to enter.<\/p>\n <\/a>Library is created at the edge of a recently completed civic square<\/strong> (Photography by\u00a0Shai Gil)<\/span><\/p>\n During the day, two of the walls pivot open like the covers of a book, welcoming people inside or to gather around the front.\u00a0 Visitors can take or leave something to read, or lounge quietly on the built-in seating.<\/p>\n <\/a> Open walls inviting people to explore the book collection<\/strong> (Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n <\/a>\u00a0Kids enjoying a nice afternoon read\u00a0<\/strong>(Photography by\u00a0Shai Gil)<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n At night, when the doors are locked, recessed, energy efficient LED lights, powered by concealed, self-sustaining solar panels on the roof, glow through the lattice work like a lantern, providing ambiance for night markets or community events.<\/p>\n <\/a> LED lights powered by rooftop solar panels<\/strong>\u00a0(Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n <\/a> View during the night time<\/strong> (Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n <\/a>Aerial view of the site<\/strong> (Photography by Bob Gundu)<\/p>\n