BEIJING SUB-CENTER LIBRARY, THE LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE
The Norwegian firm Snøhetta was awarded the project for the new public library in Beijing winning an international competition. The architecture – designed in collaboration with the local partner ECADI – will be a contemporary space for common learning and sharing. Consequently, this program is organized around a central and common space which is the centre of this architecture.
Thanks to its completely transparent façade, the library shows itself outside, highlighting its spaces thanks to the wide passage which connects the northern and the southern sides by means of a valley sculpted by terracing. From this passage some columns stretch out towards the roof: a canopy like a forest of gingko where each element reflects in its shape its technological value as well, in an essential architectonic ecosystem.
The plan has been enhanced by a rationalized and structural grid to make it easier to use modular components mainly made of local materials. To be compliant with high standards of sustainability, the roof is also made of integrated photovoltaic building components which replace the conventional materials making use of the primary exposition of the roof to the sunlight to produce renewable energy.
The height of the façade glass door – which is 16 meter high and consists of an insulated glass with Low-E performances – has been reduced on the walls east and west oriented, while on the southern side an active device for solar shading has been added.
