Beijing Sub-Center Library, China
Snøhetta was awarded the Beijing Library in 2018 through an international competition. As one of three new major cultural buildings in Tongzhou, the Beijing Library transforms the area into a lively arts and cultural destination. To reestablish the library's role as an important pillar of public and intellectual life, and become more than a mere repository of books, the architect has positioned the building as a center for learning, culture, and community. Throughout, there are dedicated spaces for exhibitions, performances, conferences, and the restoration of ancient books.
At the heart of the library is a sweeping, nearly 16-meter-tall forum of which rise hill-like volumes along smooth, rhythmic curves. These terraced hills that mimic the surrounding landscape, will be used to house reading areas and conference rooms. Rows of book collections, reading spaces, a large amphitheater, and study areas have built into and around channels and valleys within the library. This central open area is fully accessible and incorporates one of the largest book Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) in the world.
The library will take shape as a glass-enclosed structure characterized by a collection of tree-like columns that support the library's roof above. Snøhetta explained that the columns that run through the interior were designed to reference a ginkgo forest canopy – a 290 million-year-old tree species that is native to China. Each of the building's columns will be fitted with technology that aids the library's climate, lighting, acoustic performance and rainwater disposal. The roof of the building will be topped with an integrated photovoltaic system that will provide the Beijing Sub-Center Library with renewable energy.
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