Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, FacadeChengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 3 of 38Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, FacadeChengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 5 of 38Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - More Images+ 33

Chengdu, China
  • Architect In Charge: Xingguo Wang
  • Design Team: Pei Wu, Tingting Zheng, Kejia Bai, Lei Li, Lihao Leng, Jingxiong Xu, Xiaosen Tao, Yin Zhou, Ming Li, Yaoyin Fu, Bing Zhang, Jun Xiong, Li Zhou, Qian Kang, Guoqiang Zhang, Wei Jiang
  • Client: Chengdu Xingcheng Renju Real Estate Investment Group Co.Ltd
  • City: Chengdu
  • Country: China
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Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, Facade
Night view from northwest . Image

Text description provided by the architects. The new library of Chengdu University was completed in the spring of 2019. The building has become the Internet celebrity of the campus since the light was on, which was unexpected. In fact, this is not the original intention of the architect's design, its attention may be due to its unusual colors.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, Cityscape
aerial view. Image
Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography
Night view toward entrance over grassy knoll. Image

Because the new library is large in size and like most domestic university libraries, it is in the prominent position of the North Campus Planning of Chengdu University. Therefore, at the beginning of the design, more consideration is not its image, because in any case, in this particular space environment, it will inevitably stand out straightforwardly.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 33 of 38
Courtesy of China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute
Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 26 of 38
Setting up atrium and making use of skylight to create natural lighting and ventilation conditions

In line with the North high, South low, East and West gentle terrain, the library ground building is lightly located on the south side of the earth-covered dome, the lower part of the transition with the site elevation forms a concise and accessible spatial relationship.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography
View toward entrance over hill. Image

The plane is concise and efficient, and the "Dou" shaped atrium is accessible from top to bottom in all directions. Vertical and horizontal traffic is set inside to form a centripetal space converging inward around the atrium. The "sandwich" shaped atrium is suspended in the air in large quantities, making the best use of natural light.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 31 of 38
Atrium form

Lighter weight, more concise and accessible, more open and transparent is the original intention of the design. We do not want to build a strong, solid and huge school spiritual fortress.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 38 of 38
Courtesy of China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute

Through CFD airflow simulation and natural lighting analysis, the section design fully considers the characteristics of the dominant wind direction and the long transitional season in Chengdu area. According to the analysis results, the round atrium space obtains natural lighting and good ventilation by using skylight and side atrium opening, which can reduce energy consumption. Interior space highlights communication and publicity, and integrates many communication experience spaces.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 5 of 38
atrium interior. Image
Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 13 of 38
side robby interior. Image

Lightweight external maintenance system is the remarkable feature of the library. Parametric plate and glaze design is conducive to shading and restraining glare, to achieve the soft effect of indoor light diffuse, reading environment is clear and pleasant.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Interior Photography, Table, Shelving, Windows
Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Image 18 of 38
Glass curtain wall detail. Image

The exterior maintenance structure of the building is designed with a step-by-step curtain wall system from top to bottom. The supporting frame is steel rectangular tube keel + aluminium alloy transfer accessories. The exterior facade material is made of three groups of ceramic sheets + three groups of glazed hollow glass, which embodies the design idea of green, low carbon and lightweight.

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Scene on the upper steps . Image

After the completion of the library, the bright orange color and patch texture appear in the current spacious campus and community background, especially in the flat night sky, such as Chinese lanterns, transparent, eye-catching. As a place of expression, the design strategy of opening and sharing of new libraries stimulates the desire of communication, sharing and dissemination.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, Lighting, Windows, Facade
View toward main entrance. Image

The design of the facade is concise and the intention is obvious. The orange-red porcelain plate and the glazed glass have modernity. Its distinct jumping pixel patches endow the library with the characteristics of the information age. Highly finished building skin expresses the basic aesthetic needs of this era.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, Brick, Facade
Elevation detail. Image
Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography, Facade
South elevation . Image

Some critics say that the front of the inverted trapezoid of the museum seems to have resonance with the golden mask image of Jinsha ancient Shu at some dusk time. Architecture conveys some feelings as a medium. Anyway, as Hayek said, "the world is made up of knowledge and information held by human beings. The greatest wisdom of human beings is to find and discover an order in which local knowledge and information can be freely collaborated and expanded for all." The architect's initial wish is that libraries, as storage containers and interactive places of knowledge and information, will be loved by more users and benefit more learners.

Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute - Exterior Photography
campus scenery. Image

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Project location

Address:Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Chengdu University Library / China Southwest Architectural Design and Research Institute" 18 Jun 2019. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/919232/chengdu-university-library-china-southwest-architectural-design-and-research-institute> ISSN 0719-8884

View from southeast . Image

成都大学新图书馆 / 中国建筑西南设计研究院

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