Integrating Technology and Nature for Sustainable Future Library

Beijing City Library is a work of Snøhetta that sits in the Tongzhou District. Tongzhou District is a region that experienced a transition from an underdeveloped area to a developing area. As a center of art and culture, this building plays an important role for local community in education. Not only that, this library also contributes well to its environment because it maximizes the use of technology both in library operations, and building technology.

Beijing City Library’s Glass Facade by Snøhetta (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Libraries were once thought to be something that would disappear in favor of digital because information and knowledge can be searched, and obtained anywhere, and at any time. However, Snøhetta doesn't think so. The concept behind this Beijing library is to bring nature and library activities together at the same time. Where it can be seen, served, and worked. Snøhetta notices the potential of community’s literacy persists.

The concept of integrating nature and library activities can be seen from the materials that enveloped this building. Glass. Glass is not merely a medium for sunlight to support activities inside. E-low glass provides transparency. Snøhetta's mission is to make the activities inside visible from the outside and vice versa. This library is located amidst hills, trees, and the Tonghui River. These elements are the main components retained in Snøhetta's mission. Celebrating Beijing's nature and culture through integrated readings, performances, and landscapes.

Terrace Hills by Snøhetta (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Snøhetta brings the outside in. The trick is to present towering columns as a representation of ginkgo trees. The columns refer to ginkgo trees in the area, which is also a 290-million-year-old Chinese tree species. They look like slender mushrooms with overlapping flat panels filtering sunlight on the ceiling. Columns are equipped with indoor climate control, lighting, and acoustic technologies.

A stepped staircase also dominates the interior with a height of nearly 16 meters. The winding shape brings rhythm. This shape represents hills. These hills are perceived as landscapes that include the ground, sitting area, discussion area, reading area, and bookshelves. Utilize the area under the steps as a semi-private reading and conference room. In the center, a crosspath appears as the main arterial circulation of the building. The cross circulation reflects the Tonghui River flow.

The roof construction features rainwater reuse as a green space irrigation system. It has elongated roof overhangs that reduce solar gain on the glass facade. The roof features BIPV construction, utilizing sunlight for renewable energy production.

Terrace Hills by Snøhetta (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Furniture by Snøhetta (cr: Yumeng Zhu)

Furniture by Snøhetta (cr: Yumeng Zhu)