JJP Architects & Planners 潘冀聯合建築師事務所

National Library of Public Information

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF PUBLIC INFORMATION

J. J. Pan & Partners

ARCHITECTS
J. J. Pan & Partners

LOCATION
Taichung City, Taiwan

YEAR
2012

CATEGORY
Library, Community

Text description provided by architect.

Situated in the middle of the island of Taiwan, the National Library of Public Information occupies a site that is both geographically and metaphorically the confluence of information exploration and urban evolution.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

The striking form of the building features a "horizontal flow" theme recalling the early irrigation canals in the city's settlement since the 18th century, as well as symbolizing the fluid data interface in the internet age.

Architecturally, the project is strongly rooted in the canons of modern architecture such as Le Corbusier’s Five Points of Modern Architecture; but also addresses conceptual questions such as how the library is to survive or even thrive in the digital age.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

In fact, the genesis of the design is the decision to directly confront the challenges and opportunities presented by the dynamic nature of digital media.

The resulting fluid building form and ever-changing spatial movement are manifested in the protruding volume of the conference center, the grand steps connecting the plaza and the L shaped buildings embracing a landscaped court.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

Akin to how the Five Points challenged the conventional design and construction practices of the time, the library tested the limits of design and construction in Taiwan.

To achieve the building’s free-formed skin with its curved planes and organic tree trunk-shaped columns, the latest 3D design software and quite a few on-site mock-ups were utilized.

In the end, a composite wall system with integrated insulation molds the folding surfaces, which are cladded with pearl-white round mosaic tiles of eight different sizes enabling the skin to achieve a monocoque appearance.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

In the interior, each floor from level one for five, takes its visual design cue from the corresponding outside view – people, trunk, canopy, the city skyline, and clouds respectively.

The landscape design features a moon-gazing berm with a multitude of native plants and low-maintenance wind resistant shrubs.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan

Founded on the balance between cultural, technical and indigenous uniqueness, the design of the National Library of Public Information has established a new model for future civic projects in Taiwan.

National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan
National Library of Public Information
Courtesy of JJPan


National Library of Public Information
elevation


National Library of Public Information
1st floor plan
National Library of Public Information
2nd floor plan
National Library of Public Information
3rd floor plan
National Library of Public Information
4th floor plan
National Library of Public Information
5th floor plan

National Library of Public Information
section 01
National Library of Public Information
section 02
National Library of Public Information
concept

JJP Architects & Planners 潘冀聯合建築師事務所
T +886 2 27012617
JJP Architects & Planners 潘冀聯合建築師事務所
21, Alley 12, Lane 118, Ren Ai Road, Section 3, Taipei 10657, Taiwan 台北市大安區仁愛路三段118巷12弄21號