Libraries have seen a slew of impressive new architectural achievements in recent years, with architects taking the traditional format of a building with books, and flipping it on it’s head. The latest striking example of that is the Tianjin Binhai Library, designed by the Dutch architecture firm MVRDV. Built in just three years, the massive library has a form that focuses attention on a giant ‘orb’ in the middle, which serves as a luminous, spherical auditorium. The organic form and stepped platforms allows for easy browsing and sitting, while keeping the space open and clean. Located adjacent to a new park and a burgeoning cultural district, the Tianjin Binhai Library is an ambitious design that will serve as an icon in this city of 15 million. Via ArchDaily:
The curving, undulating wall panels all five way to the central ‘eye’, which houses an auditorium.
Patrons have a bright and futuristic space in which to browse the libraries hundreds of thousands of books.
Staggered levels allow for effortless sitting and reading, and give an elevated view of the impressive space.
The library can hold over 1.3 million books. For the wall panels that are above reach, the building has custom printed aluminum plates that mimic books on the shelf, to give an endless appearance of reading material. Very clever.
Additional reading areas, meeting rooms and more are tucked away behind curving shelves.
The curving walls are dramatic, and mimic the stepped topography of China’s landscape.
The library serves as a meeting place and also a huge addition to Tianjin’s new cultural district.
The library is adjacent to a new park, and the open walls of the entrance make for a dramatic and welcoming facade.