The Liyuan Library is located on the outskirts of Huairou, a small village just a few hours from Beijing, one of China’s largest urban centers. This project is a somewhat small structure offering a contemporary take on our concepts of a traditional library. Positioned only a moments walk outside the village center, the site possesses a tranquil, reflective quality, purposefully selected to create an area where visitors could relax and read.
The library is a rectilinear box constructed of heavy wood posts and beams. This framework functions as shelving on the interior. The interior of the library is separated into spaces by a system of steps and shelves. The steps, bookshelves and framework all flow into a cohesive organizational system for both space and the books within. The minimal interior retains the serenity of the surrounding landscape by framing views with modest use of windows. There are no other screens—computers, or tv’s—to detract from the nature of the space. The library serves as a space more for personal reflection and reading, then one for communal activities.
From the outside the building is modest, so it doesn’t detract from the beauty of the site. Light is allowed to diffuse through the stick cladding, illuminating the space, but still allowing the library to retain its warm enclosed feeling. The sticks for the exterior cladding were collected from the surrounding area and are the same material used by villagers to full their stoves. The Liyuan Library restates the building type of a library in its interpretation of the structure and interior spaces as a relationship to the books themselves.
by billy and natalie
so cool!!
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