Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Exterior PhotographyPingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior PhotographyPingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior PhotographyPingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, BeamPingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - More Images+ 48

Pingtung City, Taiwan
  • Schematic Design: Ya-yun Wang, Ya-zhi Kuo, Ya-jue Li, Chia-ru Lin, Fei-min Chang, Chia-hua Lee
  • Design Development: Ya-yun Wang, Che-sheng Wang, Ya-jue Li, Chia-ru Lin, Fei-min Chang, Che-kang Liu, Ting-yi Lo, Pin-min Huang, Min-ru He, Li-chi Yeh
  • Construction Documents: Ya-yun Wang, Che-sheng Wang, Min-ru He, Chia-ru Lin, Kuan-Hsien Li, Jui-hsiang Hsiao, Yu-wen Huang, Pai-fu Kuo
  • City: Pingtung City
  • Country: Taiwan
More SpecsLess Specs
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Exterior Photography
© Yu-Chen Chao

Text description provided by the architects. The existing Pingtung Public Library, originally built in 1983, is a typical example of public buildings built before the democratization of Taiwan. Among other things, the most problematic of all is that its main entrance has no direct connection to the main street, making the building almost hidden from the city.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Exterior Photography
© Yu-Chen Chao

Therefore, we propose a new and transparent lobby and attach it to the western side of the existing building. At an urban scale, it turns the orientation 90 degrees to face the city and reconnects the library to citizen’s daily life; at architectural scale, it serves as a big window linking the interior to the exterior, showing the activities in the library to the city and also takes in the surrounding landscape, bringing vitality to the interior atmosphere.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Exterior Photography
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Beam
© Yu-Chen Chao

The new lobby is a parallelogram open-plan supported by a continuous V-shaped steel structure. Several “Activity Islands” are arranged with triangular elements, including a sunken seating area, a floating mezzanine, and a pair of suspended lanterns.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Stairs
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Image 33 of 53
site plan 1:500
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Image 35 of 53
1F plan
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Facade
© Yu-Chen Chao

By the use of form, materials, colors, and social-cultural meanings, the new lobby is a modern interpretation of the aboriginal dwelling “Stone Slab Houses” of Pingtung.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Shelving
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Image 47 of 53
section
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Beam
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Shelving
© Yu-Chen Chao

Inside the existing building, we removed the monumental concrete stairs and the compact shelves once occupied the center of the building, creating a pair of double-height spaces used for seniors and teenagers. The introduction of natural materials, modern furniture, and glass partitions help to bring fluidity, transparency, and a sense of intimacy to the library.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Shelving
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Closet, Shelving
© Yu-Chen Chao

The teenagers’ library, centrally located in the building, plays a crucial role in the new programmatic organization. It is a multifunctional space linking multiple floors with interesting stairs, seating, and a bridge.

Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography, Shelving, Windows
© Yu-Chen Chao
Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects - Interior Photography
© Yu-Chen Chao

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:No. 69, Dalian Road, Pingtung City, Taiwan

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Pingtung Public Library / MAYU architects" 11 Jun 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/962928/pingtung-public-library-mayu-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Yu-Chen Chao

屏东市公共图书馆 / MAYU architects

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.