Library for University of Geosciences, Beijing.
A new center of academic campus life
A modern library is a place of knowledge and a center of academic life on campus. At the same time, however, as a semi-public building, it must also meet the needs of the university as well as those of the public and society.
The concept of our library is inspired by geological rock formations, which symbolically reveal an insight into the history of the earth with the help of their exposed layers of sediment and thus become a „canyon of knowledge“. This metaphor consistently forms our leitmotif. Bridges and terraces connect both segments and can be activated in a variety of ways as community, lecture or exhibition spaces.
- Project: CAMPUS LIBRARY
- Year: 2019
- Type: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
- Client: EDUCATIONAL/ CONFIDENTIAL
- Location: BEIJING CHINA
- Total area: 28,963 m²
- Structural Concept: SCHLAICH BERGEMANN PARTNER
- Role: DESIGN DIRECTOR/ GENSLER
When rock formations are separated they will show different layers and sediments, telling a story of our own earth.
Our library aims to use a very similar metaphor, showing different sediments and layers of stone to
tell a story of knowledge and wisdom at every level of our program.
The lobby and atrium functions as a multi-purpose spaces that can accommodate a variety of different programs – from display- and exhibition areas, to event spaces, community areas and information.
Main arrival and entrance will happen trough a series of cascading staircases giving the impression of being led down into a canyon.
Viewed from the outside, the library completes the typical perimeter block that emphasizes Beijings street edge typology – thus blending seamlessly into the existing urban context, while optimizing public exposure in a subtle way.
