shanghai jiading public library by vermilion zhou design group

shanghai jiading public library by vermilion zhou design group
all images courtesy of vermilion zhou design group

‘the jiading public library and culture center’ by vermilion zhou design group is part of the key development project in the heart of the metropolis. the concept combines architecture with the jiangnan literary style and various local characteristics on its interior and exterior, reflecting the shanghai district’s way of life and scenery.

the children’s reading area has structural columns that playfully look like trees

an extensive use of warm wooden ceilings, high walls, and clean reading desks mirrors the simplicity inside the space with contemporary chinese lines. apart from the grey brick exterior, visitors can experience a natural, minimalist feeling of openness upon entering the building. afterwards, when guests reach the main book stacks they are confronted with a series of shelves which differ from those commonly seen in a library. instead of considering the visual height of the rooms, lower displays are used to provide inhabitants with more space to breathe. this relationship of people, object, and space combined with the traditional courtyard elements of windows, views, and light extends the visual effect from the inside to the outside.

children’s reading area

the technological demands associated with a typical library fit appropriately within the boundaries of the structure. through careful planning, the occupants have access to full wifi coverage, hi-fi audio equipment, an audio-visual hall, a multimedia documents lending station, a 24-hour self-service library, a reading room with visual impairment equipment, and an auditorium. the parent-child reading area uses fresh, light colors to replicate the aesthetics of a forest and artfully hide the ceiling lights into the ‘branches.’ as for the 500-seat theater, the idea was to extend the bamboo wall into the rehearsal room and intangible cultural heritage showroom. with different requirements for each space, we hope to achieve the maximum comfort for people in this space.

lobby and theater entrance

on the project, the architects said, ”people and nature’ were our initial key influence of how to design a place true to life and local citizens need to access the jiading public library and cultural center with more comfort and ease. combining the characteristics of local history and natural elements, we have successfully integrated the new chinese minimalist philosophy into the design of public space.’

general literature reading area

lobby and reception desk 

general literature computer area

general literature computer terminals

general literature book stacks

electronic reading room 

special collections reading room 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.