gmp Selected to Design New Library in Suzhou

Entrance of library. Image © Willmore CG

gmp Architekten has been selected to design a new library in Suzhou in China. As Suzhou’s second library, the building will be constructed in the Xiangcheng area, a newly-constructed part of the city to the North of Suzhou’s historic center. Located next to one of Xiangcheng’s many artificial water courses, in addition to a traditional library, the building will feature China’s first fully automated storage system for 7 million books, as well as other public functions including a cinema and exhibition rooms.

Bird's-eye view from the East. Image © Willmore CG — Bird’s-eye view from the East. Image © Willmore CG

The exterior of the 42,000 square meter facility features a glass facade with deep horizontal aluminum louvers, intended to invoke the motif of a skewed stack of paper. By contrast, the above-ground storage facility, features a more opaque facade, separated from the rest of the building by a floor with a recessed glass facade and surrounding terrace. At ground level, the building’s stacked and skewed form also defines a central plaza, which helps to separate and delineate the building’s multiple entrances and functions.

Entrance area of library. Image © Willmore CG

The building is scheduled to start construction in 2016, with completion planned for late 2017.

Architects: gmp Architekten
Location: Xiangcheng, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
Design: Meinhard von Gerkan and Nikolaus Goetze with Magdalene Weiss
Project Management: Yan Lüji, Kong Buhong
Competition Design Team: Martin Friedrich, Kong Buhong, Pan Mei Ren Peiying, Fabian Schlitt, Kan Lijing, Mustafa Obaid, Wang Yiqun, Zhang Bowei
Team Realization: Bai Yunjie, Martin Friedrich, Kong Buhong, Li Chen, Pan Mei, Yan Lüji, Yao Yao
Structural Design (Concept): Schlaich Bergermann and Partner, Sven Plieninger
Landscape Design: WES GmbH, Michael Kaschke
Client: Suzhou Library
Area: 42000.0 sqm
Project Year: 2017
Photographs: Willmore CG, gmp