The National Library of China (2003)
Schmidt Hammer Lassen - SHL
Facts:
Architect
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Client
The National Library of China
Area
77,000 m²
Competition
2003, 2nd prize in restricted international competition
Status
Competition proposal
Engineer
Arup & Partners
Landscape Architects
schmidt hammer lassen architects
Description:
The National Library in Beijing comprises a light, elegant, floating building placed in a square sunken garden. The library consists of two elements: a cube that relates to the earth and an upthrusting curved façade that relates to the heavens.
The cube houses the essential library functions including the stacks, reading rooms, the digital library and administrative functions. Access to the building is delivered by walkways flanked by the sunken bamboo garden, and they lead to the spacious plateau in the Main Hall.
Here, the library’s most valuable collection, Si Ku Quan Shu, is held in a closed chest faced in blue-black clinker symbolising strength and protection, and echoing the blue-hued roofs of the collection’s original home: The Forbidden City. Slipping out of the Main Hall, the visitor can enjoy the hanging gardens between the cube and the curved glass façade.
Download:
Copyright is held by schmidt hammer lassen architects for all images appearing on this website.
The downloading or electronic copying of material for use by the media or for non-commercial use is permitted subject to copyright laws and restrictions and provided the images are not altered or manipulated in any way.
When using the images, drawings or diagrams, please credit schmidt hammer lassen architects.
In order to view this page you need JavaScript and Flash Player 8+ support!