Mecanoo has unveiled its design for Macau's new central library, which will have a gridded, light-filtering facade that opens up like a book to a public square.
The Macau Central Library will be built on the Tap Seac square in the historic centre of Macau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its gridded facade was informed by the exterior of the former Hotel Estoril. The library will be located on the site of the modernist hotel, which was designed by Macau-born Portuguese architect, Alfredo Victor Jorge �lvares, in 1962.
Top: the Macau Central Library by Mecanoo. Above: the gridded facade unfolds above the main entrance
The facade also references bookshelves and will wrap around the building to open "like a book page" at the main entrance of the library facing the square. Its design allows light to filter into the space, creating a controlled indoor climate while projecting shadow patterns across the interior.
"The facade pattern acts as an extension of the bookshelves, from the inside out, from stack to protective shell," Mecanoo said. "The uniform skin wraps the library volume and opens up like a book page to the main entrance facing the Tap Seac square."
"This welcoming gesture is an essential part of the relationship between the library and square."
As well as the library, the 15,000-square metre design will also include spaces for exhibitions, a cafe and offices.
The facade is inspired by modernism and library bookcases
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