The new library of Chengdu University was completed in the spring of 2019. The building has become the Internet celebrity of the campus since the light was on, which was unexpected. In fact, this is not the original intention of the architect’s design, its attention may be due to its unusual colors.

Because the new library is large in size and like most domestic university libraries, it is in the prominent position of the North Campus Planning of Chengdu University. Therefore, at the beginning of the design, more consideration is not its image, because in any case, in this particular space environment, it will inevitably stand out straightforwardly.

In line with the North high, South low, East and West gentle terrain, the library ground building is lightly located on the south side of the earth-covered dome, the lower part of the transition with the site elevation forms a concise and accessible spatial relationship. Photographs: Arch-Exist
The plane is concise and efficient, and the “Dou” shaped atrium is accessible from top to bottom in all directions. Vertical and horizontal traffic is set inside to form a centripetal space converging inward around the atrium. The “sandwich” shaped atrium is suspended in the air in large quantities, making the best use of natural light.

Lighter weight, more concise and accessible, more open and transparent is the original intention of the design. We do not want to build a strong, solid and huge school spir...