The ALT Collective is set to present its most ambitious edition yet when ALT ART returns to Manila this February. Moving to the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay, the fourth iteration of this contemporary art showcase represents a significant leap in scale and ambition for the Philippine art scene. […]
Beijing City Library: Snøhetta Heralds a New Era of Libraries
Snøhetta recently unveiled the Beijing City Library, the world’s largest climatized reading space, marking a significant milestone in library design. Located in the city’s Tongzhou District, this library is part of a larger masterplan to transform Tongzhou into a lively arts and cultural destination, complete with new transit links to central Beijing.
Snøhetta, a firm known for its innovative approach to architecture, was selected to design the Beijing City Library through an international competition. The project was realized in collaboration with local partner ECADI, showcasing a blend of international and local expertise.
Reimagining Libraries in the Digital Age
In an era where digital media dominate, Snøhetta reimagined the library as a sanctuary for the physical book and a center for community engagement. The Beijing City Library emphasizes the tactile experience of reading, offering a serene environment that contrasts with the digital hustle. It speaks toward the enduring appeal of libraries, providing spaces for exhibitions, performances, and knowledge exchange.
Advertisement
It aims to foster a connection between individuals, their environment, and the broader community. Snøhetta achieves through dedicated spaces for various activities, encouraging visitors to explore, learn, and interact.
Beijing City Library Integrates Nature and Architecture
One of the library’s standout features is its integration of natural elements within the architectural design. The building’s glass facade invites the outside in, creating a seamless connection with the surrounding landscape. At the heart of the library is the Valley, a central pathway that guides visitors through the space, reminiscent of the nearby Tonghui river.
The interior features terraced hills that double as seating and shelving, creating a multi-level landscape within the structure. These “hills” also provide semi-private reading areas and conference rooms. The design incorporates ginkgo leaf-shaped columns, adding an organic touch to the space and paying homage to a tree species native to China.
Advertisement
Setting a New Standard in Sustainable Design
The Beijing City Library is a model of sustainability, achieving China’s GBEL Three Star rating, the highest standard for environmental design in the country. The building minimizes its carbon footprint through the use of modular components and a strategic structural grid. Integrated technology within the ginkgo tree columns controls the building’s climate, lighting, and acoustics, demonstrating a harmonious blend of form and function.
The facade and roofing are designed to optimize energy efficiency, with photovoltaic elements that harness solar power. These sustainable features underscore Snøhetta’s commitment to environmentally responsible design, setting a new benchmark for construction.
A Landmark Project
The Beijing City Library reflects the city’s cultural and intellectual life, as well as its rich heritage while looking forward to its future. It is a place where the community can come together to learn, share, and grow. Furthermore, it embodies the evolving role of libraries in the 21st century.
Advertisement
More than a space for reading, it’s about crafting an environment that inspires, connects, and sustains. The Beijing City Library marks a new chapter in the story of libraries around the world. It shows how the power of architecture can enrich our lives and shape our communities.
Read more: SUMA Arquitectura Designs The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Library to Be Everyone’s Home
Photographs courtesy of Snohetta.
The CWC Design Center (CDC), along with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines, hosted its Resilience by Design: Strengthening Cities, Buildings, & Communities event. The event invited Architect Eric Manuel of ARCH Capital, Architect Gelo Mañosa of Mañosa & Co., and Oliver Chan of Arthland as panelists. Aptly named, the event discussed how good design […]
Advertisement
Situated in Cubao, Quezon City, MIRA by RLC Residences offers a warm and thoughtful environment for couples preparing for their next chapter. Driven by the idea of home beginning long before one starts a family, this community is built around comfort, community, and the everyday rhythms of family life. Family First MIRA offers compact and […]
On January 15, 2026, the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls opened its doors to take a bold step towards showcasing Filipino creative excellence. On that day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, led the official opening ceremony. Situated along Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, its 8,000-square-meter […]
As Filipinos embrace the new year and the changes it brings, they are also bringing an introspective look into their living spaces. BluPrint offers a list of interior design trends suitable for the modern Filipino home. Modern Folk Modern folk blends traditional craftsmanship, cultural expressions, and natural materials with modern simplicity. This design style taps […]
“I would like Flow to hopefully turn into a place where artists can come together, collaborate and create an overall experience,” says chef Kevin Uy. This desire of his is manifested in different ways throughout FLOW— a sleek, new restaurant he opened with his childhood friend, chef Gabriel Ong. Uy is full of ideas, fairly […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]