Tianjin Binhai Library
(Image copyright MVRDV)
In June 2016, the Tianjin Binhai Library in China, designed by Dutch architects MVRDV neared completion. Designed in collaboration with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI), the library is part of a larger plan to provide a cultural district for the city.
The futuristic library is topped with cathedral-like vaulted arches and sits within a sheltered gallery, which winds its way throughout the scheme.
(Image copyright MVRDV)
The Eye, a mirrored sphere with an auditorium, props up an oval opening which punctures through the building. Stepped bookshelves are represented on the exterior, each level doubling up as a louvre reaching out and wrapped around the façade.
(Image copyright MVRDV)
MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas said: “The Eye is the centre of the library. It ‘hollows out’ the building and creates, out of bookshelves, an environment to sit, to read, to hang out, to climb and to access, to create an organic social space. In its heart is the auditorium which mirrors the environment, giving a 360-degree panorama of the space inside; a truly reflective and pensive environment.”
(Image copyright MVRDV)
The five-storey building contains extensive educational facilities. The basement level contains service spaces, book storage and a large archive; the ground floor includes easy-access reading areas for children and the elderly as well as the main entrance and auditorium. The first and second storeys consist of reading rooms, books and lounge areas; whilst the top two storeys include meeting rooms, offices and computer rooms.
(Image copyright MVRDV)
Tianjin Library is due to open in mid-2017, and will become a hub for the central-business district (CBD), old town, residential districts, commercial areas and the government quarter.
Content and images courtesy of MVRDV.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from constructuon and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
The increasing costs of repair and remediation
Highlighted by regulator of social housing, as acceleration plan continues.
Free topic guide on mould in buildings
The new TG 26/2024 published by BSRIA.
Greater control for LAs over private rental selective licensing
A brief explanation of changes with the NRLA response.
Practice costs for architectural technologists
Salary standards and working out what you’re worth.
The Health and Safety Executive at 50
And over 200 years of Operational Safety and Health.
Thermal imaging surveys a brief intro
Thermal Imaging of Buildings; a pocket guide BG 72/2017.
Internally insulating a historical building
An experimental DIY approach using mineral thermal lime plaster.
Tree species selection for green infrastructure: A guide for specifiers.
50 million new trees over 25 years.
Art of Building CIOB photographic competition public vote
The last week to vote for a winner until 10 January 2025.
The future of the Grenfell Tower site
Principles, promises, recommendations and a decision expected in February 2025.