Haedong Idea Factory at bldg. 39

SNU College of Engineering recently announced to construction of the Haedong Idea Library, a new creative space for students interested in start-ups. Instead of being filled with textbooks, the Idea Library will feature collections from world-class designers, architects, great philosophers, and artists, encouraging students to think innovatively. The Idea Library will provide an open atmosphere where students can read in a comfortable posture.

Plans for the Haedong Idea Library were advanced after KIM Jung Sik, Chairman of the Haedong Science Foundation, donated two billion won in request of"a library that everyone wishes for." The purpose of the Idea Library is to serve as a follow-up to the Haedong Idea Factory, another creative space in the College of Engineering that was launched in March earlier this year. The Idea Factory, equipped with various technical apparatuses such as 3D printers, 3D scanners, and laser cutters, was created in order to enable students to turn creative ideas into actual products.

Professor KWAK Seung-Yeop, Vice Dean of Engineering, explained that after students come up with creative ideas in the Idea Library, they can actualize their designs in the Idea Factory. Should students discover any problems with the design, they can go back to the Idea Library to look for solutions. The College of Engineering hopes that the Haedong Idea Library and Factory will work together to become a foundation for start-up ideas.

The Haedong Idea Library will be located next to the SNU Global Education Center for Engineers (Building 38), just 50 meters away from the Idea Factory (Building 39). Designed as a two-floor building with a total area of 991 m2, the specific details of the new library will be planned out by SNU Architecture professors. Construction plans will be finalized this October, and the Idea Library is expected to be completed by June 2017.

Written by YOON Jiwon, SNU English Editor, jiwonyoon@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr