gmp Architekten has been selected to design a new library in Suzhou in China. As Suzhou's second library, the building will be constructed in the Xiangcheng area, a newly-constructed part of the city to the North of Suzhou's historic center. Located next to one of Xiangcheng's many artificial water courses, in addition to a traditional library, the building will feature China's first fully automated storage system for 7 million books, as well as other public functions including a cinema and exhibition rooms.
The exterior of the 42,000 square meter facility features a glass facade with deep horizontal aluminum louvers, intended to invoke the motif of a skewed stack of paper. By contrast, the above-ground storage facility, features a more opaque facade, separated from the rest of the building by a floor with a recessed glass facade and surrounding terrace. At ground level, the building's stacked and skewed form also defines a central plaza, which helps to separate and delineate the building's multiple entrances and functions.
The building is scheduled to start construction in 2016, with completion planned for late 2017.
Architects
Location
Xiangcheng, Suzhou, Jiangsu, ChinaDesign
Meinhard von Gerkan and Nikolaus Goetze with Magdalene WeissProject management
Yan Lüji, Kong BuhongCompetition design team
Martin Friedrich, Kong Buhong, Pan Mei Ren Peiying, Fabian Schlitt, Kan Lijing, Mustafa Obaid, Wang Yiqun, Zhang BoweiTeam realization
Bai Yunjie, Martin Friedrich, Kong Buhong, Li Chen, Pan Mei, Yan Lüji, Yao YaoStructural design (concept)
Schlaich Bergermann and Partner, Sven PlieningerLandscape design
WES GmbH, Michael KaschkeClient
Suzhou LibraryArea
42000.0 sqmProject Year
2017Photographs
Willmore CG, gmpLocation
Xiangcheng, Suzhou, Jiangsu, ChinaProject Year
2017Photographs
Willmore CG, Courtesy of gmpArea
42000.0 m2Project Management
Yan Lüji, Kong BuhongStructural Design Concept
Schlaich Bergermann and Partner, Sven PlieningerLandscape Design
WES GmbH, Michael Kaschke
