In today's architectural and social progress, if a library design scheme can stand out among more than 60 design teams, it is indeed a phenomenon worthy of attention.

CHAP and Tsinghua Tongheng Consortium participated in the global solicitation for architectural plans for the new Wuhan Library and were successfully shortlisted. This fact highlights the unique value offered by this programme.

The role of libraries has changed in modern times, from simply storing books to a diverse space.

Wuhan has rich cultural elements, and Panlong Stone is one of them.

The design of the new museum is inspired by the Panlong Stone in Wuhan. This stone is a masterpiece of city craftsmen and an architectural symbol given by the people of Wuhan.

Due to the integration of this element, the library is no longer just a building, it has also become a significant symbol of Wuhan's regional culture.

If you look at a library from a distance, it seems huge, but when you look up close, it has a unique spatial deconstruction.

This way of handling space is like a city painting slowly unfolding, gradually conveying its charm and vitality to everyone who meets it, making people deeply immersed in the history and culture of Wuhan.

It is connected to the sky. The clouds of Wuhan lie between the sky and the earth, like a rock entrenched by a dragon, symbolizing the significance of the city and recording the collective memory and cultural identity of Wuhan.

When considering the significance of the actual location, the experience of future users of the library must also be considered.

The new museum is intended to be a continuation of the city, and its design fully takes into account the local environment of Wuhan.

Regardless of where these architectural elements come from, they are skillfully integrated throughout the building, highlighting the library's close connection with the city.

In this vibrant city, the library constantly communicates with the surrounding environment and is always consistent with the pulse of the city, allowing its cultural role to be deeply developed in the city.

From a time perspective, the role of libraries has long been non-traditional.

Today's libraries are centered around people, not books.

Libraries have long been an ideal place for people to gather, learn and explore.

Modern libraries not only provide cognitive knowledge, but also allow people to feel deep emotions. They are a place where people can escape from daily life and immerse themselves in the exploration of knowledge that transcends time and space.

This change not only reflects the new requirements of the times for knowledge dissemination, but also expresses society’s increased expectations for the role of libraries. Just like modern libraries in some European cities, they integrate multiple functions such as social activities and cultural lectures, and penetrate into all aspects of people's lives.

Data shows that the number of visitors to public libraries in many big cities is increasing year by year. In these libraries, participation in various cultural activities continues to increase.

The library is now not only a place for collecting books, but also a public space. It takes root in the community and becomes an information center while pursuing long-term development. It serves modern citizens and lays the foundation for future generations to continue this cultural function.

During the design, careful consideration was given to people's feeling of flowing space in the library.

After visitors arrive, they follow the established tour route design. The main entrance of the library is the best way to lead to the main square and quickly enter the library.

The secondary entrance leads to the passage from the bus station through the promenade.

This is like facing the choice of multiple paths on a journey, each path can bring a unique feeling.

When visitors step in, no matter which door they enter, they will be attracted by the spacious atrium and the large skylight above, starting their journey of exploring the library.

Visitors then walk through two courtyards to the public roof. There, they faced the fresh air and had a panoramic view of the beautiful city, like an unexpected surprise brought by space magic.

The roof here has been transformed into a sky park, where people can immerse themselves in the pleasure of reading or participate in various social activities.

This design breaks the closed spatial pattern of traditional libraries, allowing people to experience the integration of nature and city when traveling through different areas. For example, a library in Singapore has achieved richer interaction and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces in its spatial layout.

The internal space of the library brings a rich cultural exchange experience.

A large number of stepped platforms mix various reading and discussion spaces.

Wuhan’s cultural heritage continues to attract tourists to explore, and it also promotes the exchange and interaction of various cultural knowledge.

In practical applications, people from different cultural backgrounds and knowledge levels may come together, where they exchange their stories and perspectives.

Wuhan has a rich and diverse cultural history of science, art and performance.

Commemorating Wuhan’s rich cultural heritage here is an important function of the library.

This kind of spatial layout allows the cultural energy behind books to be displayed and promotes cultural exchange and continuation. In many ancient cities around the world, libraries have always shouldered the important task of protecting the essence of local culture and inheriting long-standing traditional culture.

The design of the exterior walls highly reflects the character of the building.

Inspired by the geometric patterns in ancient books, this design is simple and creative, and can effectively block light.

The filtered light gives the building complex a unique charm, not only highlighting the huge volume of the library space, but also visually giving the illusion of lightness.

Viewing from different distances has different effects.

Viewed from a distance, the trapezoidal pattern looks like scattered fragments of light, and it also seems to cover the building with a layer of gauze, retaining the overall outline while adding a bit of hazy beauty.

Close observation may remind people of an old book, inspiring awe and desire for knowledge.

Viewed from the perspective of the surrounding urban landscape, this exterior wall design can obviously become a unique landscape in the city.

The entrance plaza is key in the design of the main entrance.

It is conceived as an extension of the urban realm.

It is not a square in the traditional sense, but a new space concept.

This is where people gather, meet, and pass by, and countless vivid stories will be staged here. Like the square in front of the New York Public Library, it has become a meeting place for people, the city, and knowledge exchange.

There is also a reasonable diversion and connection between the main entrance and the secondary entrance.

It provides a variety of direct and indirect route options to reach the interior of the library.

The perfect connection between the entrance area and the indoor space is a highlight of the design. It makes people not feel the sudden change of space when entering the library, just like an easy transition from the urban environment to the embrace of knowledge.

What do you think of this library building plan?

Does it meet your expectations for future libraries?