Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Tsinghua University Co.Ltd 清华大学建筑设计研究院

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
north entrance night view. Image © Arch-Exist

4TH PHASE ADDITION OF TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

THAD

YEAR
2016

LOCATION
China

ARCHITECTS
THAD

CATEGORY
Library, University, Extension

AREA
14959 m²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Arch-Exist, Yan Li

Text description provided by architect.

The Tsinghua University Library is a landmark building on the Tsinghua University campus.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
north facade. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
north entrance. Image © Arch-Exist

It was initially designed by American architect Henry Murphy, and the construction was completed in 1919, followed by two extensions: the second phase of construction designed by Yang Tingbao in 1930s, and the third phase of construction designed by Guan Zhaoye in 1980s.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
courtyard between phase 3 and phase 4. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
suken courtyard entrance. Image © Arch-Exist

This project is the fourth phase of extension of the library complex, located in the core area of the campus. The library embodies the continuance of the historical context of the University.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
east facade. Image © Yan Li
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
west side of north facade. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
suken courtyard and west facade. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
suken courtyard entrance. Image © Arch-Exist

It also addresses the need for development in regards to teaching and academic disciplines. The design exemplifies the architectural approach to fulfilling the historical and functional significance of the library.

The new extension and the existing building are interconnected as an organic whole. The exterior wall of the fourth-floor indents and then extends downward to form the interior wall for the first 3 floors.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
lobby. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
Recreation area on 4F and 5F. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
Recreation area on 4F and 5F. Image © Yan Li
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
reading hall on 5F . Image © Arch-Exist

This interior wall serves as a partition between the inner space and the peripheral areas, whereas the circulation in-between is enabled via openings in the wall. The inner space enclosed by this wall is a collection-reading area, which is typical of academic libraries.

The peripheral areas scattering between the interior wall and the exterior wall are for more public function such as traffic space, leisure activities, reading and so on, making it a more interactive transition to the outdoor landscape.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
reading area on 2F. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
lobby resting area. Image © Arch-Exist

The main body of the building reduces in shape floor by floor from the top, which brings a horizontally two-layered nested structure of the inner and peripheral space. This design philosophy is fully reflected on the elevations of the building.

Behind the three-storey-high transparent façade stands a solid four-storey-high wall which keeps a spatial balance between separation and interconnection. When the lights are on, the layered spatial arrangement is spotlighted against the dark of the night.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
main staircase. Image © Arch-Exist
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
main staircase. Image © Yan Li

The structured red-brick, the extensive glass curtain wall, and the abstract handling of details are all a part of the efforts to make the new extension a coordinated but also a more contemporarily characterized part of the existing library.

The design is very representative of the trends in university library development today.

Function-wise, the library is diversified with newly added exhibition hall, café, bookstore, group discussion space, study rooms, ancient books restoration area, etc. to make up for the limitations of only having reading rooms in the library.

4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
lobby resting area. Image © Yan Li
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
courtyard between phase 3 and phase 4. Image © Arch-Exist

Several public spaces stretching across different floors are designed to increase interconnectivity and circulation between indoor and outdoor space.


4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
Site Plan
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
B2 plan
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
B1 & 1F plan
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
2F & 3F plan
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
4F & 5F plan


4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
elevations
4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
elevations


4th Phase Addition of Tsinghua University Library
section

Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Tsinghua University Co.Ltd 清华大学建筑设计研究院
T +86 10 62789996
Architectural Design & Research Institute Of Tsinghua University Co.Ltd 清华大学建筑设计研究院
1 Zhongguancun E Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100190 北京市海淀区蓝旗营中关村路1号