Mecanoo architecten and MAYU architects+ have won a competition to design the new Tainan Public Library in Taiwan. Their winning design "represents the meeting of cultures, generations and histories," says the architects. It will feature an inverted stepped facade that houses reading rooms, special collections, study spaces, a children?s area, café, conference hall, a 200-seat auditorium, and public courtyards. 

South East Facade. Image © Mecanoo architecten

Mecanoo architecten and MAYU architects+ have won a competition to design the new Tainan Public Library in Taiwan. Their winning design "represents the meeting of cultures, generations and histories," says the architects. It will feature an inverted stepped facade that houses reading rooms, special collections, study spaces, a children?s area, café, conference hall, a 200-seat auditorium, and public courtyards. 
Main Entrance. Image © Mecanoo architecten

From the architects: Tainan is a city born from a history of diverse cultures, peoples and traditions. The urban fabric holds memories from the 17th century European maritime trading, the Qing Dynasty Ruling, and the Japanese settlement of the early 1900s. On top of its rich history, modern Tainan is developing as a central city in the knowledge-based economy. The Public Library is about Tainan?s evolving relationship with its past and the ...