Who says going to the library is a passe?
Due to the rise of electronic books, people rarely go to public libraries anymore. Students can do their research through browsing the internet and there are several online journals available to the public as well. But this impressive public library in China will rekindle your desire to go for the books instead.
The Tianjin Binhai library has 5 levels, around 33,700m2, can hold up to 1.2 million books, and even has a fascinating interior. According to Winy Maas, co-founder of MVRDV, the Dutch company that designed the library, “The Tianjin Binhai Library interior is almost cave-like, a continuous bookshelf.”
He further added: “We opened the building by creating a beautiful public space inside; a new urban living room is its centre. The bookshelves are great spaces to sit and at the same time allow for access to the upper floors. The angles and curves are meant to stimulate different uses of the space, such as reading, walking, meeting and discussing. Together they form the ‘eye’ of the building: to see and be seen.”
Located at the heart of Binhai cultural district in Tianjin, the library was commissioned by Tianjin Binhai Municipality. It stands adjacent to a park and clustered with other cultural buildings that were designed by international architects. It took MVRDV only three years to complete the project and it has become an instant hit in Chinese media and social media since it opened last October 1.
Aside from the reading area at the ground floor, visitors can also stay at the lounge areas found in the middle section. For those who needed a place to meet and discuss, they can go to the top floor. There are also computer and audio rooms located up there.
So whether you are a bookworm or not, you should definitely check out the Tianjin Binhai Library on your next trip to China!
Happy book-hunting!