MAD architects unveils plans for 'wormhole library' on the coast of hainan

MAD architects, the firm led by ma yansong, has shared its design for a concrete library in china that is currently under construction. located on the coast of haikou, in the country’s hainan province, the ‘wormhole library’ has been conceived as an oasis that allows visitors to temporarily remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. the building serves as a multi-functional building that allows visitors to read, enjoy views of the sea, and attend open-air performances. ‘the sensuously curved pavilion appears to be a ‘wormhole’ that transcends time and space,’ says the design team.

all images by SAN, unless otherwise stated

the project forms part of the a larger plan to rejuvenate haikou’s coastline with new public spaces. a series of pavilions by both domestic and international architects is under planning and MAD’s library will be the first one to be completed. the monolithic design is cast from white concrete, which ensures that the library’s interior ground, walls, and ceiling read as a continuous surface. to ensure accuracy and seamlessness across the curved surfaces, the building is being cast using both a CNC and 3D printed model. meanwhile, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements have been hidden within the concrete cavity.

the interior is composed of two parts: a 690-square-meter (7,430-square-foot) reading space that can store approximately 10,000 books, a café, and a terrace; and a 300-square-meter (3,230-square-foot) public rest area that is equipped with a bicycle parking system, public bathrooms, and shower areas. carefully positioned apertures allow the architecture to breathe, while letting natural light flood the interior. elsewhere, the grey spaces of the exterior corridors provide shaded spots for passersby to stop and rest.

curved sliding doors and retractable glass curtain walls not only provide views of the sea, but also enhance overall airflow and ventilation. in response to local weather conditions, the roof on the sunny side is cantilevered to achieve comfortable temperatures, realizing a sustainable and energy-saving building. the ‘wormhole library’ is now under construction and is scheduled to complete in 2021. see other projects by MAD architects on designboom here.

image by MAD architects

image by MAD architects

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project info:

name: wormhole library
location: haikou, hainan province, china
dates: 2019-2021


site area: 4,397 sqm
building area: 1,380 sqm

architect: MAD architects
principle partners in charge: ma yansong, dang qun, yosuke hayano
associate in charge: fu changrui
design team: qiang siyang, sun feifei, dayie wu, shang li, alan rodríguez carrillo, xie qilin

client: haikou tourism & culture investment holding group
executive architect: east china architecture design and research institute
façade consultant: RFR shanghai
construction contractor: yihuida shimizu concrete
renderings: SAN