Project Spotlight November 14, 2022

China’s newest library derives meaning from the past to inspire the future

Shanghai Library East emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and art.

Shanghai Library East

Project

Shanghai, China

Location

Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

The new Shanghai Library East—one of the largest libraries in the world—is a civic landmark and cultural destination located in the Pudong district. Adjacent to Shanghai’s largest park, the library is an inspirational place for people to connect with and learn from each other.

The design inspiration for the library comes from Taihu stones, or scholars’ rocks. Taihu stones were creative muses for the ancient Chinese intelligentsia, who meditated on their amorphous shapes, textures, and porosity. Often, these meditations took place in a traditional Chinese garden.

Interior photo of Shanghai Library East showing natural daylight, stair, and curving forms.

The library’s strong, sharp form contrasts with the distinctly softer Century Park that abuts it—similar to the way Taihu stones were surrounded by lush greenery.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

An abstract motif depicting 15 photographs of marble swirls “printed” onto glass panels represents the library’s “cover.”

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

From the outside looking in, the library’s façade pays homage to printed literature through subtle symbolism.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

Arranged in horizontal bands of varying transparency, these etched panels allow light to illuminate the space.

(Photo: Tian Fangfang)

The design of the library’s interior takes cues from Taihu stones’ eroded edges, curvatures, canyons, and tunnels.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

As ancient scholars studied the stones from different angles, their changing morphology stimulated the scholars’ creative and analytical thought.

(Photo: Tian Fangfang)

Today, when visitors move about Shanghai Library East, their views of interconnecting spaces shapeshift, too.

(Photo: Tian Fangfang)

This is particularly apparent in the main central atrium, where the floors above stack and interlock, visually connecting visitors to activities and exhibitions across the library’s seven levels.

(Photo: Tian Fangfang)

Ten artists from China and abroad created site-specific installations.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

Curated by the international arts organization UAP (Urban Art Projects), the public artwork program is rooted in the theme “Mediums: The Development of Writing.”

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

In the southwest atrium, Chinese artist Xu Bing created an artistic intervention called “Living Word.” The piece depicts words lifting off the pages of a book and transforming into birds in flight.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

“Living Word,” by Chinese artist Xu Bing depicts words lifting off the pages of a book and transforming into birds in flight.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

Liu Wenxuan, “Tower of Knowledge”

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

Shanghai Library East is so much more than a place to keep and read books.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

It’s a hub for culture-sharing and community-building. A center for research and knowledge exchange.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

A place to see and experience nature.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

And an inspiration for public libraries over the world.

(Photo: RAWVISION Studio)

“Libraries have long formed the backbone of many communities, becoming an integral part of our lives. It’s why we refer to them as the ‘third space’—a highly personal place that exists between our home and our work."

Chris Hardie, design director at Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects

Learn more about the Shanghai Library East project >

Main Photo: Tian Fangfang