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
It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, but to this day the exact construction techniques are a mystery.
Shortlist for the industry's most coveted award announced.
Government responds to Mark Farmer's review of industry, rejecting the call for a levy on clients.
Peter Hansford to examine what wider lessons can be learned from the fire.
Every project is subject to uncertainty. How can construction better understand uncertainty for performance improvement?
MAD Architects reveal their designs for a futuristic campus for electric car manufacturer.
Homebuyers could borrow more with better forecasting of energy bills, according to industry consortium's new report.
Read our introductory article on carbon capture and storage.
Have a look at Frank Gehry's Binoculars Building in Los Angeles.
BRE publish new Loss Prevention Standard seeking to minimise fire risk from ducting.
Beneficial infrastructure projects
How do we tell which infrastructure projects will work?
CIAT announce the establishment of a Working Group in light of Grenfell and call for contributions.
In 1900, 15% of global population lived in cities. Now it’s over 50%. Which is why we need ‘hydroinformatics’ to consume smarter.
Have a look at these competition-winning designs for a new residential development in Eindhoven.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily