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World's Coolest Library With 1.2 Million Books Opens In China, And Its Interior Will Take Your Breath Away
Nobody likes to be watched while they’re trying to read a book, but we’re willing to make an exception if it means getting to visit this stunning new library in China, because as you can see below, the incredible structure has a giant spherical auditorium in the middle that looks just like a giant eye.
Located in the Binhai Cultural District In Tianjin, the five-story library, which was designed by Dutch design firm MVRDV in collaboration with the Tianjin Urban Planning and Design Institute (TUPDI) and has since been dubbed “The Eye of Binhai”, covers 34,000 square metres and can hold up to 1.2 million books. Taking just three years to complete, the library features a reading area on the ground floor, lounge areas in the middle sections and offices, meeting spaces, and computer/audio rooms at the top. We’re not sure how much studying we’d get done though – we’d be far too busy marveling at the awesome architecture!
This isn’t the first time we’ve written about the endlessly creative MVRDV. Click here to read about their giant scaffold staircase and here for their beautiful market hall in Rotterdam.
More info: MVRDV
Update: Turns out, most of these futuristic-looking floor to ceiling shelves are painted to look like they’re full of books, but in reality, much of the covers in the hall are printed images. The real books are stored in other rooms in the building.
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Daria B 8 years ago
They probably have it on their computer database and indications where to find it, if you're looking for something specific. It might be tiring, though, to pick a random book
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Jef Bateman 8 years ago
It is an interesting design, but it doesn't seem warm, homey, and comfortable--which is what I like when I sit down to read a book.
Mangoes'nRum 8 years ago
Very nice looking library building. I wonder if those books in the upper shelves are simply there for show. There doesn't seem to be a way to reach them unless you're a rock climber. However, I think I prefer traditional library buildings. I believe they are far more silent because of the shelving. This one could prove to be really loud and distracting.
Pan Da 8 years ago
On the upper "shelves" the books are painted on the wall, you can see it in the video
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Petra Christovová 8 years ago
The library design is stunning .. it would be heaven to visit it personally.
Yuxin Xu 8 years ago
Why people all so judgmental? Is it soooo hard to admit this is a nice library and it's in China? I'd say over 80% people criticizing China even has never been there before and if you actually get the chance to go to this beautiful country you'd found it is not like what the western media describes. Anyway I am Chinese and I am proud of my country
Kevin Murphy 8 years ago
I don't think anyone's criticizing the library's beauty. The criticism all has to do with the practicality and design. I'm hoping that what we're seeing here is mostly the grand foyer and tucked inside are many quieter reading rooms, areas that are useful for the elderly, handicapped, and children, etc.
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Yugan Talovich 8 years ago
The Chinese reports say it's designed after waves: the name Binhai means seashore, and of course Tianjin is a port. It has over a million books, and there are lots of places to sit and read, but some of those upper shelves are just design. I'm a bit surprised by the condescension that shows in a lot of the comments here. Come on, Pandas, we can do better.
Daria B 8 years ago
They probably have it on their computer database and indications where to find it, if you're looking for something specific. It might be tiring, though, to pick a random book
Load More Replies... Jef Bateman 8 years ago
It is an interesting design, but it doesn't seem warm, homey, and comfortable--which is what I like when I sit down to read a book.
Mangoes'nRum 8 years ago
Very nice looking library building. I wonder if those books in the upper shelves are simply there for show. There doesn't seem to be a way to reach them unless you're a rock climber. However, I think I prefer traditional library buildings. I believe they are far more silent because of the shelving. This one could prove to be really loud and distracting.
Pan Da 8 years ago
On the upper "shelves" the books are painted on the wall, you can see it in the video
Load More Replies... Petra Christovová 8 years ago
The library design is stunning .. it would be heaven to visit it personally.
Yuxin Xu 8 years ago
Why people all so judgmental? Is it soooo hard to admit this is a nice library and it's in China? I'd say over 80% people criticizing China even has never been there before and if you actually get the chance to go to this beautiful country you'd found it is not like what the western media describes. Anyway I am Chinese and I am proud of my country
Kevin Murphy 8 years ago
I don't think anyone's criticizing the library's beauty. The criticism all has to do with the practicality and design. I'm hoping that what we're seeing here is mostly the grand foyer and tucked inside are many quieter reading rooms, areas that are useful for the elderly, handicapped, and children, etc.
Load More Replies... Yugan Talovich 8 years ago
The Chinese reports say it's designed after waves: the name Binhai means seashore, and of course Tianjin is a port. It has over a million books, and there are lots of places to sit and read, but some of those upper shelves are just design. I'm a bit surprised by the condescension that shows in a lot of the comments here. Come on, Pandas, we can do better.
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