Forest Library Beijing, the latest project designed by Snøhetta, has successfully changed the face of Beijing's new central district. With soaring 16-meter-high glass walls, and the first self-supporting glass facade in China, the library is a striking architectural landmark in the bustling capital.
Innovative Design: Forest Library Beijing
In collaboration with its local partner, ECADI, Snøhetta has created a design for the library that is described as 'contemporary yet timeless', highlighting a sculpted learning landscape and a canopy resembling a forest.
Scheduled for completion by the end of 2022, the project was first awarded to Snøhetta in 2018 after a fiercely competitive international design competition. Construction began in 2020, and since then, significant progress has been made; the roof and tall glass facade have been installed.
Following Snøhetta's Footsteps: Uniqueness in Design
Behind Snøhetta's sophisticated design lies a profound idea: to create an open and inclusive public space for learning and the exchange of ideas while celebrating Beijing's rich cultural heritage in science, art, and performance.
This idea has materialized in the form of an amphitheater-like space in the middle of the library, designed to bring people of all ages together spatially and intellectually. The twisting 'valley' around it serves as the backbone of the building, connecting the north and south sides beautifully and practically.
Design Concept and Philosophy
Spaces inside the library are designed to enhance interaction and the exchange of ideas among visitors, with curved tables creating comfortable reading and study areas. Transparency is also a key theme; activities inside the library are visible to passersby, encouraging openness and inclusion and inviting people to enter.
The library is not only beautiful on the outside. Inside, visitors can witness numerous glass walls balanced by slender white columns that create a forest-like atmosphere.
In addition to providing a pleasant ambiance, these columns also house technological systems that operate the building, such as climate control, lighting, acoustic comfort, and rainwater disposal. The most intriguing feature is the stepped landscape area resembling a forest, inviting visitors to rest and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Under the canopy of the roof, there are various experimental spaces where visitors can find their private places to read and learn while staying connected to the larger common area. Besides being a beautiful and functional library, the project also aims to set new standards for library design in the future.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity at Forest Library
Sustainability strategies include integrated photovoltaic construction elements on the roof and shading devices to reduce solar heat gain. Glass height has been reduced on walls facing east and west, while active sun-shading devices have been added to reduce heat gain from the sun.
In fact, all major construction materials have been locally sourced, and the use of modular components with a rationalized structural grid has helped reduce the need for customization. With its revolutionary concept and careful implementation, Forest Library Beijing, designed by Snøhetta, will be an inspirational place for Beijing residents and visitors from around the world.
As of 2024, Forest Library Beijing has recently opened to a limited number of visitors. Therefore, there is still no precise information regarding its operating hours. However, you can get updates through Snøhetta's website.
Watch a clip of Forest Library Beijing here.
